Visiting skipper, Rohit Sharma lost the toss and invited to bat first. Opposite number Andrew Scott saw his decision vindicated as Daniel Kelly’s five wicket haul knocked the stuffing out of ‘Brook’s early order. Opener Siraj Zafar stuck around making an entertaining 37. The innings lit up when captain Sharma was joined at the crease by Manish Battan for the closing overs of their innings. The pair plundered runs at a rapid rate, indeed Battam smashed 28 from five balls of the penultimate over following four byes from the first delivery and amassed 77 from only 46 balls including 9 fours and 5 maximums. Sharma crafted 9 fours and a towering six in a more sedate 73 which allowed the Dagenham outfit to close on 239 for 7 from their allotted 50 overs.

After the tea interval, seamer Karamat Ali overcame Benfleet’s early resistance producing a nap hand of 5 for 70. Alfie Ayres (40) and White (47) battened down the hatches in search of a draw whilst Sriraman Srividyanandan and Pawanpreet Singh bagged a brace of scalps apiece to send the match into a drama drenched finale. With their last pair at the crease, Benfleet hung on for a draw and a share of the spoils.

Goresbrook 2nd 239 for 7 from 50 Overs (12 points) drew with Benfleet 2nd 197 for 9 from 55 Overs (6 points)