Slow march to victory

Goresbrook 3's had to work hard for their victory against South Woodford 4's at the Annexe on Saturday.
Despite losing the toss skipper Owen Elsom was delighted when the visitors chose to bat, although this was largely forced upon them by having only 7 players on the ground.
Brooks opening attack gave away some early runs but Siraj Zafar broke the 40 opening partnership when Elsom caught a lofted drive at wide mid on. The fielding on the ground was good, as was the backing up, especially from colts Ben Atkins and Jack Gibson, but several chances for catches were dropped until Darren Johnson leapt like a salmon at slip with Abdullah Ahmed the bowler.
Leonard Thoufick then produced a fine spell of away swing bowling to grab 3 quick wickets. Mafi grabbed a wicket in a short 3 over spell and Owen Elsom took 3 wickets and removed the bails from an accurate Jack Gibson throw to close the innings on 150 all out from 36.2 overs

This meant Brook had 48 overs to score 151 and the inextinguishable Andy Livett hared to 50 before falling to a fine diving catch at deep square while Martin Rooke was more akin to the other animal mentioned in Aesop's moral tale at the other end. Nevertheless Rooke's approach paid off as, after a brief but productive cameo of 25 from Siraf Zafar, 3 wickets fell for just 1 run and Brook had to carefully rebuild the momentum, firstly with 12 from Darren Johnson and then with an entertaining 16 from Mafi Chaudhury who hit the winning run with 6.3 overs to spare- Rooke remaining unbeaten on 36.

The victory means Brook maintain 3rd position in the division and will next play Wanstead and Snaresbrook 6ths at Fairlop Oak.

South Woodford 4ths 150 all out from 36.2 Overs (6 points) lost to Goresbrook 3rds 154 for 5 from 41.3 overs (20 points) by 5 wickets