Walthamstow III v Goresbrook III - Essex County Cricket League - Div 2

Goresbrook’s 3rd string avoided relegation with a stirring 94 run victory at The Peter May Sports Centre, Walthamstow, on Saturday. Home skipper, Ansar Hussain won the toss and invited the visitors to bat but was rueing his decision as a strong top order powered into gear. Dunston Alfred struck five fours and a maximum on his way to a scintillating half century receiving support from fellow opener Jo Wilkinson who chipped in with 16. ‘Keeper Nick Read (28) and Craig Ivey (21) continued the momentum despite Yeamin Arafat’s excellent spell of 4 for 20 with the ball. 15 year old Jack Stead provided the late fireworks for ‘Brook as he cracked 4 fours and a towering six in a compelling, unbeaten 34 steering his side to 204 and maximum batting points.

After tea the visiting attack were firing on all cylinders with Atif Ali grabbing 4 for 32 in an excellent 9 over spell. Craig Ivey bagged 3 for 10 as O’Bennett (27) battled bravely with the willow. Joe Barwick (2 for 15) and Ben Irving (1 for 27) maintained Goresbrook’s superiority with the ball as they reduced the hosts to 110 all out securing 20 points and safety for the Dagenham outfit in the process.