1s batsmen flex their muscles against Ingatestone

After a pre-season and first two league games played on damp surfaces, the Goresbrook batsmen revelled in firmer conditions at May & Baker against Ingatestone racking up a record Saturday score of 363-2, just 16 short of the club record score of 379.

Captain Kurt Whisker again provided the foundation of the innings with a stylish 95 from 94 balls before he was run out in sight of his ton. Whisker's demise ended a 161 run stand between he and Michael Rooke as Goresbrook punished some over pitched bowling after Craig Irving fell early for 16.

If the Ingatestone bowlers sensed an opening after running out Whisker, they were to be disappointed as Jordan Calverley arrived at the wicket with little more than 15 overs remaining and smashed a brutal 106 not out. Rooke also passed three figures ending unbeaten on 117 as the Goresbrook 3rd wicket partnership went one better than the 2nd, adding an unbroken 162 as the bowling was dispatched to all parts.

In reply Ingatestone were faced with Goresbrook's quickest bowlers as Kane Messenger and Israel Ochwo took the new ball. The pair soon had the visitors on the ropes as they fell to 11-2 and then 57-5, Ochwo taking 2-25 and Messenger 3-66. The Ingatestone middle order didn't go down without a counter attack, however four successive batsmen reached the mid- late teens without going on to a substantial score as spinners Toby Maund 2-28 and Shane Barwick 3-9 wrapped things up in the 29th over for 139 leaving Brook with maximum points and an early lead at the top of T Rippon Divison One.