Lacklustre performance leaves 'Brook short

A lacklustre batting display from Goresbrook 2nds sealed their fate as they slumped to a 4 wicket defeat at Church Road on Saturday. After losing three early wickets on a damp track, opener Andy Livett (22) and skipper Keith Friend (15) led the visitors revival. Mick Bear and Kevin Birch bagged a brace of scalps apiece to boost Taverners but an impressive sixth wicket partnership between Jordan Harris who crafted an entertaining 40 and Matthew Friend who struck a sparkling undefeated 33 lifted ‘Brook to 139 for 9 from their allotted 45 overs when tea was taken.

With Goresbrook defending a modest total, pacemen Matthew Friend (2 for 20) and Shaun Ross (2 for 33) gave the Dagenham outfit the ideal fillip but Matt Diprose offered staunch resistance with the willow fashioning an excellent 42 to put the hosts in the driving seat. Bobby Gaymer and Billy Smith grabbed a consolation wicket apiece but Lee French (19 not) and Micky Bear (9 not) ensured there were no further scares for the home side who secured a comfortable 4 wicket victory.