U11's miss out in thrilling finale

In a intense match at the May and Baker ground on Sunday Goresbrooks U11's fell agonisingly short of victory.
Alfie Atkins(16) continued his fine run of form whilst putting on 31 in an opening partnership with Frankie Boland (11)until bowled by the impressive swing bowling of Ilfords Zain Ahmed- both boys hitting a pair of boundaries apiece. Boland also looked well set until run out in following some confused calling. George Sleight looked in fine fettle in an entertaining knock of 13 as did Ted Ivory who hit 3 successive boundaries in his 13. Tommy Smith also impressed in his late cameo of 8. Pawan Singh creamed a boundary through mid-wicket to help Brook reach a total of 88 when they were dismissed with 3 balls remaining of their allotted 20 overs.
In reply a combination of good bowling and sensible batting meant the game remained in the balance until some at best harsh, and at worst controversial, umpiring- particularly with regard to wides- gave Ilford significant momentum. Nevertheless the boys kept going and all the latter bowlers kept a tight line and wickets apiece for Pawan Singh, Frankie Boland and Stanley Sleight and two in two balls for Tommy Smith meant the game went into the final over evenly balanced but a dropped catch, a scrambled run and a missed run out saw the visitors home by 3 wickets.