Barking II v Goresbrook II - Essex County Cricket League - Div 1

A strong Goresbrook Second Eleven powered to an emphatic six wicket victory in this local derby at Mayesbrook Park on Saturday. Visiting Skipper, Keith Friend, won the toss and invited the hosts to bat. Barking’s hope of setting a competitive target were dashed by an excellent spell of bowling from 15 year old Bobby Gaymer who grabbed 3 for 18. Abbas (15) and Tuit (11) dug in but a brace of victims apiece for Shane Barwick (2 for 15) and Shaun Ross (2 for 23) rocked the home defences. Gabriel Philbert provided a battling rearguard display with an undefeated 25 but Billy Smith and Moiz Bilwani each collected a scalp and with Gaymer putting the icing on the cake with a superb run out ‘Brook could be well satisfied in restricting their hosts to 119 all out.

After tea Goresbrook suffered early setbacks losing Barwick and skipper Friend early doors as Ahmed (3 for 38) held sway but experienced campaigners Andy Livett and Adam Ivey led the visitors’ recovery. Ivey produced an entertaining 25 and Afzal Hussain joined the fray to post a quickfire 30 whilst opener Livett stood firm with a resolute display remaining unbeaten on 33 to steer his side to a comfortable 6 wicket victory.