Essex Over-50s beat Surrey in their opening match of the season

South Woodford’s Garry Neicho featured as Essex over-50s cricket team defeated Surrey by five wickets at Chingford CC last week.

Essex opted to bowl first after winning the toss and Arshad Mughal (2-18) dismissed both Surrey openers before a recovery from Johnson (49) and Cook (36).

Shahid Iqbal helped himself to 2-35 after fine work behind the stumps by Kirnon, while Richard MacGregor also picked up 2-42 as Surrey finished on 176-6 from their 45 overs.

Neicho finished wicketless, but was economical, with figures of 0-21 from nine overs.

Essex started promisingly with Gladwin (29) and Iqbal putting them 52-0 in no time.

But their dismissals, alongside the cheap wickets of Kirnon, captain Peter Rider and Graham Goodman left Essex struggling.

But a fine partnership from Lawrie Bell (66 not out) and Rock (31 not out) steered them home after needing 24 from the last five overs.