Brook’s second string slipped to an agonising 4 run defeat at Hylands Park on Saturday. Home Captain Chris Humphries won the toss and elected to bat on a scorching afternoon and his decision proved vindicated as fellow opener Dave Rai (41) and Humphries (42) racked up an opening stand of 85.

As the visiting attack toiled in the heat, visiting skipper Sharma turned to Karamat Ali who duly removed both openers. 34 year old right hand seamer Ali then ran through the home middle order claiming a superb 7 for 51 from 16 excellent overs - his personal best figures for the Club. Spinner Pawanpreet Singh also caught the eye with a couple of victims as ‘Athletic were limited to 177 all out.

After the tea interval, the visitors suffered an early setback when opener Amir Javed departed for a single before ‘Keeper Vara Prasad (29) and Abdullah Ahmed (23) kick started the visitors’ run chase. Rohit Sharma (40) and Sikander Khan (41) maintained the momentum to bring the Dagenham outfit within sight of victory. In a drama drenched finale, Lewis Byford (5 for 40) proved the hero with his nap hand sealing a four run victory for the hosts.

Hornchurch Athletic 2nd 177 all out from 44.2 Overs (25 points) beat Goresbrook 2nd 173 all out from 39 Overs (6 points) by 4 runs