Five alive

The Under 15 side made it five wins out of five in the group stages of the Cox and Kings Cup at a damp MABA on Sunday morning.

Goresbrook lost the toss and Ilford asked them to bat on a damp surface that had dried sufficiently following the previous days soaking. With progression to the quarter finals already assured coach Gillham changed the batting order and opened with Bist and Khondakar.

Bist was soon disputably dismissed caught behind by a ball down the leg side as the umpire took an age to make his decision. Adama, who has starred for the mens fifth XI recently was bowled by Behran for 2 and the home side wobbled at 9-2. George Smith was next in and batted sensibly on his 99th colts appearance and played some terrific trademark shots to the leg side before being caught for 15.

Captain Parnell hit a quick 10 as the score was being pushed along before Alfie Atkins hit a fine unbeaten 21 that included two sumptuous lofted cover drives for four. Khondakar finally fell for a patient 52 ball 15 as the hosts scored 101.

In response Ilford lost Dinuka early on as Alfie Atkins ran him out with a direct hit from cover. Prahatehn and Jenushan steadied the innings putting on 21 runs until the introduction of Khondakar who struck first ball to removed the former for 8. Jenushan was caught in Khondakars next overs as Leonard Thoufick took an excellent diving catch at mid on.

Parnell made a double bowling change with Bist and Smith coming on and the pair ripped through the final seven Ilford batsman. Calan (0) was bowled by Bist before Shahid was expertly stumped off the same bowler by keeper Gillham. Bist also bowled Janeban as he finished with season best figures of 3-5.

Smith had A. Khan caught by Atkins at cover for 8, U. Khan was then comprehensively bowled before Behran and Jazin were both dismissed by way of two further stumpings as Smith finished with 4-12.

Brook now await news of who they will face in the quarter finals with Loughton or Buckhurst Hill being the likely opponents.