Hosts Cling On for a Draw

West Essex’s second string clung on for a draw with a dogged rearguard batting display at The Rolls on Saturday. Goresbrook skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first. The hosts were spurred on by Asghar Ali’s entertaining 78 from 67 deliveries. Karamat Ali (43) and George Sleight (41) provided the middle order fire power and Manish Battan clubbed 10 fours and a maximum to ensure there was no hiding place for the hosts as the visitors again breached the 300 barrier closing on 320 for 8 from a maximum 50 overs.
After tea, West Essex tore out of the blocks with Ibrahim Nazir’s half century and 41 from Deepak Singh being the feature of an early thrash with the willow. Ali Raza almost bowled ‘Brook to victory with an outstanding spell of 5 for 47 but West Essex held firm to clinch the draw.

Goresbrook 2nd 320 for 8 from 50 Overs (12 points) drew with West Essex 2nd 215 for 9 from 45 Overs (7 points)