15/06/2026
Keeping a Close eye on the table top
Ingatestone beat South Loughton by 5 wickets
After the relentless recent rain, akin to a Forrest Gump in Nam montage, the skies cleared to see a top game of cricket at The Rec.
Skipper Roy elected to bowl on a good pitch, with a lush outfield set to dry out, and a wicket that could only improve with the consistent sun.
Tiger and Chapman bowled in tandem to make great use of any damp left in the surface, putting a strong South Loughton batting line up under the pressure of consistent line and length. It could be said the batters lost their patience, taking unnecessary risk to leave themselves 22-3, but credit must be given to the magic hands of veteran Dave Close, whose leg side stumping to remove Shields impressed even the most discerning of onlookers (beautifully timed, given Graham Gooch and Ashley Cowan were playing boundary club cameos at the time). Co-keeper and mentor Sam Blackman must have been very proud.
South Loughton did well to move the game forward, and post a score of 192, although they were aided by a litany of dropped catches from Ingy. Primary source reports suggest 10+ chances went down, but, interestingly, approximately 5 were admitted to after the game, giving more fuel to the fire that Frogbox is needed for future post-match analysis/mortems.
Ingy's chase began in a way Theresa May could only have dreamed, ACTUALLY strong and steady. Hodgson and Bonnington added 57 before both fell quickly. Roy and Corbyn (49) added 30 for the 3rd wicket, and Corbyn was joined by Close (50*) to add 60 and take any heat out of the chase, with South Loughton tails threatening to lift.
It was another day to remember down The Rec, with a league treble across the club and a top tea (served under the gazebo).
Onwards we go, next at home again to Springfield, who currently top the table, only 2 points ahead of us.
Come join, cheers us on, soak up the sun and enjoy a glass of perfectly served Pimms, a cold white, a Bud Light, or perhaps even a beer!
Up the Ingy!
