3's romp home

Goresbrook 3's raced to victory against Ilfords 5th string in this Division 17 40 over encounter at a sunny Annex.
Skipper Owen Elsom lost the toss and Brook were asked to field. Siraj Zafar was exceptional with the new ball and grabbed 2 wickets in two balls and he was ably supported by Akbar Hussain. Wickets fell regularly but a few too many wides were given up and there were at least 4 catches spilt.
Mark Bird was almost hounded out of the attack when his first over was smashed for 26 but he soon found a more pressing length and finally got his reward in his 7th over. Alfie Atkins nabbed a wicket before Zafar returned to wrap up the innings with a yorker that sent the stump cartwheeling.
Zafar 3-12
Hussain 3-25
Bird 1-53
Atkins 1-21
Rukon was in no mood to hang around and set the chase off in excess of ten runs an over and hit a half century in just 30 balls.
Andy Livett nurdled singles to keep Rukon on strike but the latter went for one shot too many and edged behind for 85 having hit 15 fours and 2 sixes. Mark Bird too had little interest in hanging around and 5 fours and a six in his 31* leading Brook home with more than 20 overs to spare.
Despite the dominance of Brook across all facets of the game the visitors were good sports and never let their heads drop.
Goresbrook next week visit Ardleigh Green and Havering atte Bower at Old Brentwoods where they hope to continue their fine start to the season.

Ilford 5th 158 all out in 35 Overs (3 points) lost to Goresbrook 3rds 161 for 1 in 19.2 Overs (20 points) by 9 wickets