54 Year Old Vintage

Elder Statesmen, Steve Rooke and Dave Leadbeater drew on all their experience to provide the backbone of a solid batting display for ‘Brook’s 4th string at the M & B Annex Ground on Saturday. Coming together after an early setback the 54 year olds produced a plethora of boundaries sharing in a second wicket partnership of 125. Rooke on his 687th outing for the club rolled back the years amassing 12 fours and a six in a compelling knock of 90 whilst Leadbeater found the rope 7 times on his way to an entertaining 56. Darren Boland continued the misery for Athletic’s attack with an unbeaten 39 which included 4 fours and two towering sixes steering the hosts to 203 for 5 at the conclusion of their allotted 40 overs.

After the tea interval, 15 year old George Smith impressed with ball grabbing 2 for 11 from 7 including 3 maidens. Billy Parnell also helped himself to a brace of victims at a cost of 43. Experienced seamers Ricci Parnell (1 for 30) and Joe Barwick (1 for 24) kept the run rate in check with 8 respectable overs apiece whilst Leonard Thoufick caught the eye with 1 for 17. Good spells from two more of Goresbrook’s Colts went unrewarded as Bobby Granger (0 for 14) and Debutant Ted Ivory (0 for 5) both made pleasing contributions with youngest player Ivory giving an assured display in the field as ‘Brook eased home by 49 runs.