Tillingham take 2nd spot

Goresbrook’s second string look to be consigned to another season in Division 3 after visitors Tillingham deservedly leap-frogged them into the 2nd promotion spot after a 7 wicket victory at May & Bakers.

The hosts batting was in tatters at 47-5 at the halfway stage, a common theme in the second half of a campaign where availability has dropped off sharply in recent weeks. Only an outstanding 86 from number 7 Billy Chapman saw Goresbrook up to a respectable 187-8, but scores of less than 200 are tough to defend on the large M&B pitch and so it proved.

Tillingham opener Cumming got going from the outset, lashing Joe Barwick through the covers with the first 2 deliveries of the innings and it wasn’t until 15 year old Lee Jones entered the attack that a wicket fell. Veteran spinner Lawrence Walsh followed up with 2 more, including Cummins for a fine 89, but there were to be no more breakthroughs as Tillingham eased home in the 43rd over.

Goresbrook must now win their final 2 games against Great Baddow and Noak Hill and hope that Tillingham slip up against Purleigh, or against bottom side Herongate, which is an unlikely scenario.