Goresbrook’s first eleven had to settle for a draw against old rivals Bentley at May & Bakers Sports Ground on Saturday.

Visiting Captain Ash Parmenter won the toss and invited ‘Brook to bat first with his decision appearing vindicated as opener Imon Ahmed departed without troubling the scorer. This brought together Toriqal Islam who continued his rich vein of form with a sparkling 48 and skipper Jordan Calverley who made 38 from only 30 balls. Shane Barwick came to the crease second wicket down and produced a masterclass with the willow. The 28 year old left hander stroked 13 fours and a maximum in magnificent 105 – his fifth century of the season. The Dagenham outfit looked firmly in control until the introduction of leg spinner Max Stevenson whose guile and turn had their lower order in trouble as he returned 5 for 27. Ted Ivory was the only other home batsman to make double figures as ‘Brook posted 230 from 48 overs.

After tea, Stevenson (56) continued his impact on the match with a sparkling half century and in tandem with Parmenter ( 32) laid the foundations of Bentley’s reply. After utilising his first four bowlers with only Barwick gaining a wicket, Calverley turned to paceman Kane Messenger and spinner Hussin Chowdhury. Messenger bowled with all his old swagger in a marathon 16 over spell that yielded 4 victims at a cost of 38. Hussain proved the perfect foil at the other end bagging 3 for 19 as Brook’s fielders turned the screw. Visiting ‘keeper Tom Hunter dotted out 36 deliveries and with Glenn Swinney (6 not) held on grimly for a draw.

The two sides meet again on Saturday at Pilgrims Hatch where league action switches to the pink ball, 45 overs a side format for the remaining four games of the Season.

Goresbrook 1st 230 all out from 48 Overs (11 points) drew with Bentley 1st 141 for 8 from 48 Overs (5 points)