Goresbrook Captain, Kane Messenger, won the toss and elected to bat on a good track at Horndon Rec on Saturday. His decision was vindicated as openers Jordan Calverley and Lee Jones were in fine fettle with the willow in the face of a lively home attack. When drinks were taken after 25 overs, ‘Brook had a full complement of ten wickets intact and the pair continued to post a first wicket stand of 137. Jones, who has been a pivotal figure for Goresbrook this season, continued his rich vein of form, breaching the rope on four occasions on his way to an impressive 53. Calverley took up the mantle mixing sensible defence with attacking flamboyance, stroking 11 fours and a maximum on his way to a superb 91. In the latter stages of the visitors innings, Muhammad Attuallah (21), Shane Barwick (10) and skipper Messenger (14 not) punished any loose offerings to enable the Dagenham outfit to post an above par 237 for 7 from their 50 over entitlement.

After tea 18 year old Phil Thoufick proved to be the ace card in ‘Brook’s pack. The left arm spinner displayed a maturity beyond his years, exhibiting a variation in flight and bounce to claim a match winning haul of 6 for 47 from 16 economical overs. Jeff West proved the mainstay of Horndon’s reply with a patient knock of 58 however team mates around him departed with alarming regularity. Messenger bagged a brace of scalps supported by Ted Ivory who picked up the wicket of the dangerous Asif, before Attuallah clean bowled Keith Mager with the penultimate ball of the match to clinch a memorable 84 run victory and 25 points for the visitors.