Suffolk can’t prevent Essex hat-trick

July 2, 2026

ESSEX have completed a hat-trick of wins against Suffolk in the Robin Hobbs Trophy.

The trophy is played for annually across all senior first XI fixtures involving the neighbouring counties in memory of the former Essex and Suffolk leg spinner, who passed away in March 2024 at the age of 81.

This outcome of this season’s contest came down to a one-off match between their Over-70s sides at Sudbury CC on Thursday, which Essex won by 49 runs, in the Seniors’ County Championship.

The same two sides had been due to meet at Castle Park, Colchester early last month, but the match was cancelled due to wet weather.

Essex, who won the toss and elected to bat, amassed 265 for 4 in their 45 overs, after being 56 for 3 in the 13th over.

Nigel Bloch (63 off 84 balls) then combined with opener Paul Wakefield to put on 163 in the next 26 overs, Wakefield ending undefeated on 137 off 127 with 14 boundaries.

Peter Boughton top-scored with 62 in Suffolk’s reply, adding 73 for the third wicket with Ray Black, who contributed 36, before Ken Jones ended undefeated on 38 in the home team’s 216 for 6.

The trophy was presented by Suffolk Cricket’s Fundraising & Marcomms Officer Nick Garnham, who congratulated Essex on their success.

He said: “Robin Hobbs enjoyed a stellar career with Essex and then later on with Suffolk, and it is fitting that this trophy is played for annually in his memory.”

Essex won the trophy in its inaugural season when the counties met in the NCCA Showcase match at Woolpit CC.

Feroze Khushi, who is now Suffolk’s professional, scored a sublime 181 for the first-class county, who were triumphant by 78 runs.

Essex retained the trophy last season, winning 3-1 across four matches – two at Over-60s and two at Over-70s level – after Suffolk had won the opening game.

Essex Over-70s skipper Simon Sargent (left) is presented with the Robin Hobbs Trophy by Suffolk Cricket’s Fundraising & Marcomms Officer Nick Garnham (right) at Sudbury CC.

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