The 1s stayed in touch with the pacesetters in Division Three of the SNEL with a comfortable win at Ardleigh Green, a fine batting performance, with all 7 batsmen used making double figures, being the basis for a 97 run triumph that sees the Goats move into 4th place.
After being invited to bat after Green won the toss, Joe Curley hit a breezy 33 from 23 balls to get Brook off to a flyer and then Shiv Subramanian added a quickfire 16 to keep the pressure on the bowlers. When Subramanian and Jordan Calverley (49) fell in quick succession to James Walker, skipper Shane Barwick took over with a responsible knock of 69 from 76 balls and he joined forces with Afzal Hussain (28) and then Toby Maund (30) as Goresbrook put together productive partnerships throughout the 50 overs, a late flurry from Stuart Greaves (21* from 13 balls) ensuring that Brook passed the 250 mark, setting the home side 264 to win.
That target never really seemed in reach once Shaun Ross had ripped out 4 early wickets in a hostile opening spell, the big wicket of Paul Hurworth clean bowled after hitting four early boundaries being the highlight. From 41-4, Alex Cason (32) and Adam Thain (40) staged a rebuilding job, but as the required rate started to mount, the Goresbrook spinners took over and supported by some excellent catching in the deep and a couple of stumpings from keeper Calverley, Green subsided for 167 in the 38th over, Billy Smith picking up 2-33 and Barwick completing another accomplished display with 4-14.
With pre-season favourites Westcliff, Leigh and Harlow all flexing their muscles with big wins in the first week of 50/50 cricket, the Harlow v Leigh game looks an interesting clash this week, but Barwick's men must try to stay in touch by beating Epping at the club without 4 of Saturday's side, all unavailable for a variety of social reasons.