Brook shake off Saturday blues in Grays

Jordan Harris’s Sunday 1st XI got their ESL campaign underway with a comprehensive win over old rivals Thurrock. After Harris won the toss, the Goresbrook innings lost its way somewhat after a 61 run opening partnership between Kurt Whisker and Craig Irving, however a 69 run 6th wicket stand between the skipper who made 39 and Kane Messenger (34) saw Brook through to a competitive 182-7 from their 40 overs.

In reply, the hosts never really got going as an accurate opening spell from Joe Barwick flummoxed the Thurrock batsmen. Barwick’s 3-15 was following up by some tight spells from Shane Barwick and Bryan Atkins, leaving Craig Ivey with the task of mopping up the tail, a job which he has specialised in this season and once again he didn’t disappoint, taking 3-16 as Thurrock were dismissed for 80 in the 37th over.