Barking I v Goresbrook I - Essex County Cricket League Cup Final

League Champions Barking were chasing an unprecedented treble at Uplands on Saturday but saw their hopes dashed by Goresbrook’s talented young side. With a big crowd assembled at the picturesque home of Loughton CC Kurt Whisker won the toss and elected to bat first on a good end of season track and his decision was vindicated when he and Jordan Calverley posted an opening stand of 60 before the skipper was trapped leg before by Saddiq for 26. Michael Rooke continued the tempo compiling a confident 25 before lofting Khan to the deep where Butt held the catch. 19 year old right handed, Calverley assumed the responsibility of marshalling ‘Brook to a competitive total and he struck 13 fours and a towering six completing a second successive unbeaten century for the Dagenham outfit. The teenager showed no sign of nerves demonstrating superb shot selection whilst he occupied the crease for his side’s full complement of 40 overs, accumulating 101 not out from 123 balls. Jordan Harris (15) and Kane Messenger (13 not) chipped in with excellent knocks at the business end of the innings and Hassan bowled with aplomb returning 2 for 23 from 8 economical overs but the Barking attack was blunted as ‘Brook amassed 217 for 5.

After tea, Matthew Friend struck early when bagging the valuable scalp of captain Shaffiq who was adjacent when rapped on the pads for 6. Fellow opener, Polket Gupta then picked up the baton and was keen to put bat to ball as he fashioned 2 straight sixes and 4 fours in a majestic contribution of 55 from 62 balls before departing when he too was adjudged leg before wicket. Spinners Shane Barwick and Lawrence Walsh each claimed a victim but Barking began to gain the ascendancy punishing any loose offerings as they maintained the required run rate. The turning point of the game proved to be Kane Messenger’s scintillating spell of 3 for 22 which effectively arrested Barking’s challenge. In a tense finale ‘Brook emphasised their reputation as the League’s pre-eminent fielding side with three sharp run outs. Michael Rooke clinched victory by clean bowling Mudasser to put Goresbrook’s name on the trophy for the first time sparking jubilant celebrations.