Goresbrook II v Noak Hill Taverners I - Essex County Cricket League - Div 1

Another powerful Goresbrook display with the willow saw the 2nds amass 261 for 6 from their allotted 45 overs at May & Bakers Sports Ground on Saturday. Skipper Keith Friend won the toss and his decision to bat first was vindicated when Andy Livett and Craig Irving raced to an opening stand of 90 before Livett became the first of Jason Plater’s two victims when holing out on 23. Irving continued in superb form and produced a series of drives, pulls and cuts on his way to a fantastic maiden century. Afzal Hussain struck an entertaining 44 from only 30 deliveries and Friend added 17 before both were run out courtesy of two sharp pieces of work in the field. Mark Dublin bagged 2 for 31 as Taverners fought back with the ball. Irving, meanwhile, was still in full flow fashioning 13 fours and one maximum as he occupied the crease for ‘Brook’s entire innings facing 134 balls and finishing with a magnificent unbeaten 130 to put the hosts in the ascendancy.

After the tea Shaun Ross struck early sending Trevor Maloney back to the hutch for 4. Phil Bellot (27) and Steve Clarke (20) led the revival for the visitors who were also boosted by contributions from Javed Khan (17) and captain Lee French who clubbed an undefeated 30. Seamer Bobby Gaymer grabbed 2 for 24 whilst fellow teenager Daryl Forward claimed 1 for 33 for the home side. Friend then turned to his spinners and 15 year old Billy Smith (3 for 25) and Moiz Bilwani (2 for 17) ripped through the visitors defences reducing Taverners to 130 all out and a Goresbrook victory by the margin of 131 runs.