LIGHTENING rarely strikes in the same place twice, but for Walden this was almost a complete replay of last week’s 156-run defeat against Great Witchingham.

East Anglian Premier League

Swardeston (311 for 7) beat Saffron Walden (115 all out) by 196 runs

LIGHTNING rarely strikes in the same place twice, but for Walden this was almost a complete replay of last week’s 156-run defeat against Great Witchingham.

The only variant was skipper Neil Gladwin lost the toss on this occasion, but the same wayward bowling and lacklustre fielding resulted in his side having to chase 300 for the second week in a row.

Two defeats is by no means a disaster in what is expected to be a tight league, but Gladwin knows he has a side capable of a league title. His frustration is evident as he wants to see more from some of his senior charges.

“Last week I said it was rare to see us play so badly across all three disciplines of the game,” he said. “This week we went and did the same again. It was one of the worst performances I’ve been involved in.

“It is disappointing, because we know this side has a lot to offer, but we need to show a lot more – there is no panic, we played extremely well in our first two games [both wins] but played extremely badly in our last two.”

As Swardeston piled on the runs on Saturday, one man put his hand up. Andy Laws weighed in with a five-wicket haul, for 64 runs, off 13 overs.

But it was to no avail as Peter Lambert hit 99, with eight fours and three sixes, and Jaden Hatwell accrued 118, including nine fours and three sixes, to take their side to 311 for 7 declared with 58 gone.

Walden never got to grips with the chase and, at 87 for 4, Giles Ecclestone fell for 45 and the match was effectively sealed as the last eight batsman made just 26 between them.

One saving grace for Walden is that no one seems to be in form but they have still managed two wins from four games and sit mid-table with 60 points.

Gladwin added: “We will be having a chat at training on Thursday evening to see what we think the problems are. I want some of the senior guys to step up and pull us back into winning ways – starting this weekend.”

On Saturday Walden host Burwell. 11am start.

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