Curley slams 134 as 2's run continues

Joe Curley hit a fabulous 134 as Brook’s second string made it 5 wins on the bounce to start their first Mid-Essex campaign. The right hander was in imperious form, taking full toll of a very short boundary on one side, as he added 135 with skipper Craig Ivey who made 67 and then a further 77 with Keith Friend as Brook racked up an imposing total. Curley was eventually dismissed off the penultimate ball of the innings, but his career best knock left the hosts with it all to do, requiring 259 to win.

Brook were always in control of the chase after a terrific opening spell from Joe Barwick, the flame haired medium pacer taking 4-27 as his accuracy and swing proved easily the most effective of the visitors varied collection of bowlers. A fine knock of 70 by Harris, largely via an assault on Billy Smith's bowling (the diminutive finger spinner taking 2 for 71 from his 12 overs), for the hosts kept them in with an outside chance, but as the overs started to run out, the Brook bowlers and fielders kept their heads despite losing Sam Cooper to a dislocated finger, Baddow eventually closing on 226-9, denying Brook maximum points, but still 32 runs short.