Ilford Lions I vs Goresbrook II - Essex County Cricket League Div 1

Goresbrook captain, Keith Friend, lost the toss and led his side into the field at Ilford Wanderers Ground on Saturday afternoon. Teenage opening bowlers Daryl Forward and Bobby Gaymer drew first blood for the visitors as they had both the hosts’ openers back in the hutch with 9 on the board. Assad Abbasi settled Lions nerves with a patient 27. Ashfaq Ahmed provided the middle order impetus with a sparkling 52 but spin twins Lawrence Walsh (2 for 32) and 15 year old Billy Smith (2 for 36) gave ‘Brook the ideal fillip. Craig Ivey bagged a scalp and a sharp run out from Andy Livett maintained the tempo for the Dagenham outfit but the home side recovered courtesy of useful knocks from Awais (27) and Ali (23). The returning Bobby Gaymer produced the excellent analysis of 3 for 48 as Lions were all out for 191 from 42.4 overs.

After tea, Goresbrook lost Mark Bird for a duck but the experienced Livett settled their nerves with a steely contribution of 32. Jo Wilkinson (16) and skipper Friend (25) steadily built the visitors’ reply. A three wicket salvo from all rounder Awais restrained ‘Brook’s charge but Craig Ivey’s compelling 26 restored Goresbrook’s hopes. Zaker Sohaib ran through the visitors’ late order with a match winning spell of 5 for 10 from 9 overs to clinch a 54 run victory for Ilford Lions.