Brookweald 1st XI vs Eastwood CC, Essex, 1st XI

Brookweald Captain Finch won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like a good batting track at Belfairs Recreation Ground. 12 overs in Brookweald found themselves 4 down with 85 runs on the board, Eastwood paceman Stirrup (4/70) keeping the shackles on. Verner again with a quick fire 58 being the mainstay of the early part of the innings. The removal of Finch brought Hedges to the crease to join an in-form Chapman. The pair went calmly about their business and taking Brookweald to the 30 over drinks break, adding 121 runs without looking in any danger. On the resumption of play, Chapman fell for a well made 67 and Hedges suffered the same fate 9 balls later for 60. The Eastwood attack stuck to the task, wickets falling at regular intervals, bringing the Brookweald innings to an early close in the 39th over. Mohammed (2/5) & Singh (2/35) picking up 2 wickets each keeping the total to a gettable 232 all out.

Eastwood’s reply began with some tight bowling from Hedges and Heppell, both taking a wicket each to remove Eastwoods openers. Hill came to the crease and looked threatening before being bowled by Finch for 35. Eastwood never really got going, only Harry Singh with a fine 54 looking like the man to take Eastwood close, however the Brookweald attack kept things at bay. Baird (2/40) Javed (2/14) both producing fine spells of bowling closing the innings prematurely in the 40th over 56 runs shy of the target ending at176 all out.