On an overcast day with rain threatened later in the day Matching Green 1st XI won the toss and given the green as grass wicket had no hesitation in putting in South Loughton.
To put it bluntly it was a massacre. Jason Green and Charlie Bass opened the bowling and they ripped through the South Loughton batting order from the first over. They were both assisted by some incredible catches from the ever improving Harry Lees behind the stumps, one catch in the webbing off Green was quite remarkable.
Extras were top scorer as South Loughton were demolished for just 20 all out with Green taking 3-6 and Bass 6-14 , the innings lasting just 13.3 overs of their allotted 45.
In reply Matching lost a wicket first ball of their innings when Peter Liversidge was caught in the covers off Smith. Harry Lees hit a boundary and then Dan Sibley back from injury hit 4 boundaries including a huge 6 to get Matching over the line in just 2.3 overs.
A fantastic way to end the season for Matching Green with the heavy defeat relegating South Loughton who looked a little shell shocked.
This ended off a superb season for Matching winning the League by 43 points with Ilford Catholics second , Nazeing Common 3rd and Stansted 4th.
Sadly the League Cup finals day scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday were washed out and is due to be re-scheduled.
The 2nd XI also finished their league campaign, with a home tie against already relegated Albury. With rain threatening and with the hope of finishing in a promotion place should second placed Hockerill 2nd XI flounder, captain for the day Seb Forrest decided to insert Albury.
At 63-6 and with Albury only fielding 9 men that looked a wise move but a brilliant counter-attack from Mark Jolley ensured Albury reached a respectable 178 alll out.
Sam Figg and Tom Hobbs were asked to open the batting for Matching Green and they put on a fantastic unbroken partnership to reach the target in just 26 overs. Sam finished with 80 not out and Tob Hobbs 60 not out. A brilliant finish to an excellent season.
Sadly Hockerill 2nd XI also finished their season with a win so we have to settle for 3rd place in Division 5 and just miss out on promotion. However, there's lots to look forward to next year especially with the emergence of 3 or 4 excellent youngsters. Promotion to Division 4 must be the target!