Calverley and Rooke Leave Old Southendians at Sea

Goresbrook’s Sunday League outfit maintained their unbeaten record with a stirring five wicket success with only three balls remaining. After winning the toss the visitors elected to bat first on a warm afternoon at May & Bakers. The Old Boys were held in check by Joe Barwick’s excellent eight over spell which yielded 4 for 22. Bunce (33) and Smith (36) led the recovery for the visitors but Craig Ivey (2 for 25) and Billy Smith (1 for 14) from an economical 7 overs restricted the visitors to a score under 200. Brothers Daniel and Billy Parnell caught the eye with the ball after being promoted from the colts for their Senior Sunday League debuts as the Southend outfit closed on 196 for 7 from their allotted 40 overs.

After tea, Goresbrook set about their target with gusto but suffered an early hiccup when the in-form Joe Curley departed for 4. Jordan Calverley and Michael Rooke picked up the baton to accelerate the run chase. Calverley fashioned ten boundaries on his way to a sparkling 53 whilst Rooke breached the rope on 9 occasions in a compelling 63. A two wicket salvo from Hunt set the game up for an exciting finale but Kane Messenger (44 not) and Craig Ivey (17 not) shared in an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 65 to lift their side over the line with just three balls to spare.