'Brook lads find it tough against Upminster

Goresbrook's youngest charges were put to the sword on Thursday evening at the May & Baker Club. Inserted on a sticky wicket following the mornings heavy rain, none of the batsmen managed to cope with the conditions or with the oppositions more experienced bowlers. Whilst all the batsmen got off the mark, none scored boundaries and only Archie Dias survived with his wicket intact. For Upminster, Ed Matthews took a hat trick; all three victims clean bowled.

Upminster's reply set off like a train and five batsmen made double figures who between them hit 13 fours and 3 maximums. 'Brook's youngsters kept trying hard and well deserved wickets were taken; a maiden wicket for Matthew Elsom caught by George Sleight, one apiece for Archie Dias and Albert Sleight via a catch and a stumping by Ted Ivory, plus one bowled by Nathan Dowridge.

With this unit due to be kept largely intact next season, the boys can only build on all their achievements. Two wins, a tie and two losses, one by just 3 runs, is a very creditable return for such a young group and the coaching of Dave and Kurt Whisker and Darren Ivory will continue to equip these lads for a very promising future.