Gay day for the 2's at Fairview

The 2’s stayed in touch with the leaders in the tightest of all the Mid-Essex league’s 12 divisions with a hard fought win at bottom side Rayleigh Fairview. Brook’s bowlers performed well in the absence of regular new ball pairing Shaun Ross and Daryl Forward to dismiss the hosts for 144, u19 seamer Bobby Gaymer being the pick of the attack with a fine return of 5-20. Skipper Lee Ramduth also took 3-20 with his left arm spin as the hosts needed the best part of 44 overs for their 146.

In reply, after the early loss of Matt Friend for 8, it appeared that Goresbrook would have a straightforward chase as Aaron Scott (45) and Lawrence Walsh (53) took the score onto 107 before the heavy legged pair were dismissed a couple of overs apart. Unfortunately that provoked a mini collapse, with Mark Bird continuing his houndish run with 9 and Danny Gillham jnr falling for the same score before Lee Jones was frogmarched back to the pavilion for eins.

Fortunately for the 2's Harry Jackson kept his head with an unbeaten 14 and in tandem with O'Neil McDowell, saw the side over the line in the 39th over for a welcome victory.

With only 23 points covering the top 6 sides, Goresbrook sit in 5th place with 6th placed Hornchurch Athletic 1s visiting next Saturday in a blast from the Lords International League past for what looks like an important game for both sides if they are to keep in touch with leaders Writtle.