Gently Bentley

Goresbrook’s 1st Eleven were unable to breakdown the dogged resistance of visitors Bentley in an entertaining draw at M & B Sports Ground on Saturday. Batting first after skipper Kane Messenger won the toss, ‘Brook slumped to 55 for 3 before Shane Barwick (36) and Danny Gillham (jnr) (45) rebuilt the innings with an excellent partnership of 66 for the 4th wicket. Steve Flack and Glenn Swinney both excelled with the ball bagging 3 victims apiece before captain Messenger, who struck a superb half century, combined with talented teenager Ted Ivory (46) - both sacrificing their wickets with some frantic running - in accumulating a suitable total for the former to make a declaration.
After tea the Dagenham outfit’s attack continued their impressive form as Ivory and Messenger turned their attentions to the ball having openers Matt Coleman (0) and Mark Carter (7) back in the hutch early doors. Ash Parmenter then compiled a captains innings posting a compelling 70 and in tandem with the free scoring Phil Coleman (47) swung the odds of victory back in Bentley’s favour with a 105 run stand for the 3rd wicket. The introduction of Jordan Calverley (2 for 12) proved the partnership breaker and ultimately, the economical bowling of left arm spin twins Livash Ramduth (2 for 41) and Shane Barwick restricted the visitors run rate, forcing them to give up their run chase, settling for a draw.

Goresbrook 1st 231 for 8 declared in 49 overs (11 points) drew with Bentley 1st 197 for 7 from 49 overs (6 pts)