2s avenge lone loss from 2014

Goresbrook's second string recorded an excellent win at fellow promoted side Purleigh on their Division 3 bow, a youthful side putting in a fantastic performance on a chilly afternoon.

With regular captain Craig Ivey called up to the 1's, vice-captain Joe Curley took the reigns and although from a personal perspective he fell for a duck early on after Goresbrook took first knock, he must have been delighted to see veteran Andy Livett strike a fine 58 to get Goresbrook off to a strong start.

After Livett fell, 16 year old Charlie Thompson anchored the innings with a patient 55 and 18 year old Stuart Greaves then applied the accelerator, hitting a powerful 54 to shepherd Goresbrook over the 200 mark, the innings closing on 207-6.

The Purleigh response was always going to centre around prolific opener Freegard and although he started ominously, the introduction of Qaiser Mumtaz into the attack proved the turning point, Mumtaz proving a class act, dismissing Freegard for 27 courtesy of a fine diving catch from keeper Chapman and then running through the top order to finish with the outstanding figures of 5-23.

Only the hosts keeper Stanley stood between Brook and a comfortable victory and although Stanley hit a fine 44, his dismissal to Curley's occasional bowling, was the end for the hosts, Goresbrook dismissing Burleigh for 155 to record a 52 run win.