Broomfield swept away

Saturday saw the return of Goresbrook's 3rd XI to the quaint Annex ground at May and Bakers. The MABA last saw third XI action in early June before drainage work took place that ousted the side to the functional but less idyllic Newbury Park.

Five changes were enforced on the hosts following last weeks win away at SOS EMT, Gillham Jnr and Khondakar returned from 2s action while Matty Jones suffered the humiliation of suffering a drop of two Xis following his performance for the 1st team last week. Adama was replaced by Owen Elsom in the seam department and Billy Parnell came in for Martin Rooke to provide some much needed fielding prowess.

Skipper Danny Gillham, who is now taking charge for the rest of the season lost the toss and was asked to bowl first on a wicket that looked in very good condition despite the many inches of rain that had fallen in the last couple of days.

Khondakar got proceedings underway from the recently landscaped tennis court end and found good lines early while Elsom did the same from the Severed Leg Lake end. Elsom found some alarming bounce early on and was unlucky on numerous occasions as Williams and Hills played some lofted shots to balls that held up on the still slight moist track. Khondakar finally accounted for Williams for just 9 runs, another attempted drive was spooned over the head of mid off fielder Parnell who back pedalled and somehow hung on to a very difficult chance.

Parnell landed awkwardly on his head and required a few minutes to recuperate and this delay saw Broomfield's ninth player turn up. Kugan was next to fall, Nirbhay Bist claiming the wicket edged behind to Gillham. Elsom bowled nine over straight through and he finished without reward but returned fine figures of 9-4-18-0.

With Broomfield unable to score against the tight Elsom and energetic youthful bowling of Khondakar and Bist, the gathered crowd that included the injured Joe Wilkinson were treated to a fly past for VJ day. The experienced Hurricane led the way from the front but was soon caught and overtaken by the quicker classier Typhoon, much in the same way that Goresbrook's growing band of youth talent are slowly easing in front of club legends and the likes of Wilkinson.

Wilkinson to his credit has worked tirelessly over the last week to recuperate his injured knee and he hopes to be available for selection for next weekend as the duck cup hots up with only two weekends left.

Paul Atkins and Gillham Snr each bowled a five over spell. Atkins bagged Copeman with Billy Parnell taking another excellent catch low down at mid off before Gillham Snr ran in from square leg to take an excellent catch to dismiss Broomfields opener for a fine 36 off Atkins's bowling. Hills had batted excellently for his runs while watching partners come and go at the other end. Gillham bowled Joe Roof for 8 before the skipper gave the ball to Parnell and Atkins Jnr and the pair swept up the Broomfield tail.

Parnell took a wicket in his first and only over as Painter was dismissed by a regulation catch at mid off from Paul Atkins. Alfie Atkins struck twice in his only over, firstly dismissing captain Copeland for four as Gillham Jnr held onto a bottom edge and Watkins falling shortly after as Tommy Puncher took a good catch.

Despite drops in the field by Elsom at short cover and Scott Barwick at first slip Broomfield were bowled out for 93.

With only 30 overs used to dismiss the visiting side Broomfield took to the field to defend 93 runs. Matthew Jones and Tommy Puncher opened the batting and soon set about the target. With only nine fielders Puncher and Jones found gaps at will and the pair ran superbly. Puncher was impressive for the second week running for the 3s and his drives found their way to the Dagenham and Redbridge football pitches to the side and back of the cricket square.

With few dedicated cricket facilities within East London, Goresbrook have to make do with the shared sporting facilities rather than a dedicated cricket ground due to the high land utilisation rates within the Greater London area. Many clubs enjoy playing at the MABA due to its confined spaces and tree lined perimeter whereas other don’t. The location may not have running water and onsite facilities but when a game only lasts 43 overs these are not really needed anyway.

The helmeted opening Goresbrook pair continued to run the Broomfield fielders ragged and despite some good attempts they were unable to stem the flow of runs as Jones cut loose into the gully region and the 94 target was reducing ball by ball. With just 28 runs required at the ten over mark it was decided between captains to play to a finish and during this time Jones brought up his first 50 of this decade to the delight of his watching family but to the disgruntlement of Wilkinson.

With scores level a wide delivery saw Brook over the line with Jones unbeaten on 51 and Puncher with a fine 32no.

A regulation tea was consumed after the game. A typical May and Bakers selection of sandwiches was on offer and for a home game it was pleasing to see the re-introduction of the much missed ham. The pasta bowl was certainly enjoyed by the younger players and the salad was well and truly dodged as it was still full when the last man tucked in. The elegant underrated quiche was also lightly utilised, comprising of ham, egg and cheese the French dish was dismantled by Gillham in the same way as Jones and Puncher had earlier done to the Broomfield attack.

A hot urn was also a bonus although the mini tea bags didn’t give the greatest amount of flavour. The re introduction of the earlier season rice would be a nice addition going forwards as would be a greater selection of cakes in the style seen in early May.

With Tillingham and Thurrock both winning Goresbrook can only finish 3rd in the Trippon Mid Essex ninth division although promotion could still be attained by league restructuring. Eastwood come to town next Saturday with Brook looking to sign off their home campaign in style.