Brook’s second string got off to the worst possible start with a plethora of early wickets falling at Southchurch Park on Saturday. Teenager Abdullah Ahmed (18) was the sole top six batsmen to record double figures. Manish Battan and Fahad Zafar joined forces at the crease to restore order to the visitors innings compiling 99 for the 7th wicket. Battan departed for a swashbuckling 44 whilst Zafar went on to accumulate an entertaining run a ball 71 – his knock included 10 fours and a maximum. Matt Mohan (5 for 35) was the pick of the home attack as the Dagenham outfit closed on 168 all out.

After the tea interval Battan excelled with the ball grabbing 3 for 32 from 10 overs, whilst Ahmed caught the eye with 2 victims. Home Captain Joe Sibbons posted an excellent, unbeaten 63 receiving support from Mohan who completed a fine all round display with a half century as the Seasiders secured a comfortable five wicket victory.

Southend-on-Sea and EMT 2nd 171 for 5 from 34.2 Overs (20 points) Beat Goresbrook 2nd 168 all out all out from 34 Overs (6 points) by 5 wickets