Hats off to Hatfield (Peverel)

Danny Gillham’s promotion chasing 3rd XI had their momentum stalled by the form team in Division Eight, Hatfield Peverel, who ground out a 14 run win in an excellent game at Church Road. Peverel were unbeaten (and remain so....) since they lost the reverse fixture at M&B back in early June, but they were made to work hard for their win as a fine Goresbrook bowling and fielding performance, led by 5 wickets from the skipper, restricted the hosts to 193-8 from their 45 overs.

That total looked within Goresbrook’s capabilities for much of the chase, anchored by a patient 61 from a hobbled Joe Curley, answering the call from his golfing roommate after Tommy Puncher's late cry-off despite a sprained ankle, however after a solid start, Brook were unable to accelerate to keep up with the rate against some well disciplined bowling and ultimately came up 14 runs short after requiring 25 from the final over.

The result leaves Goresbrook 27 points behind leaders Great Baddow 3’s, who they visit next week in a must win game and 13 points clear of Hatfield Peverel in 3rd place, Peverel themselves being far from out of the chase as they too still have to play the leaders.

A win in one of those games should be enough for Great Baddow to claim the title, but in a division that has produced more unexpected results than your average visit to the old T Rippon website in May this year, there are likely still a few twists and turns left.