Redbridge Parks I v Goresbrook III - Essex County Cricket League - Div 2

‘Brook skipper Jo Wilkinson won the toss and duly invited the hosts to bat at Fairlop on Saturday. Opener Ali Shah set the tempo with a buccaneering knock of 87, which included 10 fours and 2 maximums. Shewakramani clubbed 29 to continue the visitors’ misery but Goresbrook staged a fight back with two wicket salvos from Atif Ali (2 for 24), Craig Ivey (2 for 33) and Ben Irving (2 for 47). Brad Winsley and Tilly Wijesuriya closed out ‘Parks’ innings for a par score of 189 from 44 overs.

After tea Goresbrook opener Nick Read gave his side some early impetus with a sparkling 34. Joe Curley continued the good work with a superb half century which included 3 boundaries before returning a catch to Usman Aslam who bagged 4 for 21. Tahir Ayub (3 for 38) appeared to swing the balance back in Parks’ favour but a fighting contribution of 26 from Craig Ivey set the stage for an exciting finale. ‘Brook threw caution to the wind suffering three run outs as the hosts clinched victory by 28 runs.