Philp frustrates Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden must be kicking themselves for not forcing victory against lowly Halstead at the Anglo American in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League.
Halstead may have been delighted to dismiss Essex's Jason Gallian with just three on the board.
The fact that the next wicket fell at 264 was due to hundreds for Tom George (117) and Charlie Knightley (121) as Walden reached 307 for four from 59 overs.
Halstead's fragile batting line up was again put to the sword as they crumbled to 44 for six but a 107 run partnership between Tom Philp (56 not out) and Mark Johnson (60) frustrated the home side.
When Johnson was dismissed, the last three Halstead batsmen dug in, faced 33 balls between them and with Philp standing firm at the other end them somehow managed to hold on for a draw.
At Highfield Lawn, Fakenham and Horsford battled it out for a draw in which Horsford had the better of things. Batting first they made 255 all out from their full 66 overs.
The middle order of Chris Sabburg (59) Luke Caswell (55) and Matt Wilkinson (58) held the innings together and although Fakenham never threatened the total, were hanging on at 163 for nine when the overs ran out.
Burwell continued their good start to their first EAPL campaign with a five wicket win at Great Witchingham. The home side won the toss and elected to bat first, racking up 257 for eight.
James Spelman once again showed good form with 77 while there were useful contributions from Sam Arthurton (60) and Carl Rogers (45).
Burwell cruised to victory with more than eight overs remaining thanks to 52 from Frans Bester, 72 from Danny Jones and an unbeaten 109 from Grant Flower.
Grant Flower makes unbeaten 109 for Burwell
Over at The Victory Ground, Mallards overcame Bury with some ease. Bury batted first and made 151 all out, Ollie Huggins top scoring with 44 not out. Mallards seven wicket victory was confirmed in the 43rd over with Carl Amos making 76 not out and James Marshall 47.
A high scoring affair at Postwick saw Norwich overcome Clacton by five wickets with just three balls to spare. Clacton made an impressive 270 all out after 64 overs with young Ben Foakes (99) just missing out on a maiden EAPL century.
In reply, Norwich looked to have lost their way despite a century opening stand from Ollie Higginbottam (37) and Mark Tipping (77).
When these two were parted, Norwich needed 167 from 31 overs. But 83 from Harry Bush and 37 from Chris Borrett ensured the total was chased down successfully.
The day's final match saw Swardeston overcome Cambridge Granta at The Common. Granta batted first and made 230 for nine from their full quota, Matt Friedlander top scoring with 87.
Swardeston made fairly light work of the victory, winning by five wickets with nine overs to spare. Jaden Hatwell (75) and 90 not out from Peter Lambert were the mainstays of their innings.
