Brookweald 2nd XI vs Broomfield CC, 2nd XI

Summer had finally arrived at the Weald as the two’s welcomed Broomfield 2nd XI for this division 7 match up. Brookweald skipper Wolfe won the toss and decided to have first use of an excellent looking wicket. Brookweald opening pair Harvey and Wolfe faced up to a young looking opening attack of Atkins and Wiffen, who set about their work with aplomb, keeping the shackles on early and not letting the Brookweald openers ever feel comfortable. Harvey (15) slashed at an Atkins loose one outside off stump and was well held at point to bring the dangerous Biggs to the crease. Biggs (34), Wolfe (32), and the returning Poonawala (11) all got starts but failed to go on, mostly due to the excellent Broomfield attack, which would not look out of place further up the divisions, never letting the Brookweald batters ever feel comfortable. An entertaining knock from Joyce (35) further down the order was brought to a halt when, chasing a quick run, he was sharply run out by Wiffen. An excellent spell of slow left arm from Rathnayaka kept the shackles on, ending with figures of 3/30 from his 9 overs. Brookweald ended up with an under par total of 193/8 of their allotted 45 overs.

Broomfield experienced opening pair of Redman (48) and O’Riodan (45) shared an opening stand of 97, effectively taking the game away from Brookweald, both falling short of their half centuries. The Brookweald attack stuck to the task, with Hurrell (9/1/32) again leading the attack and a fine debut performance from Huda (9/1/45) proving to be the Brookweald highlights. Brookweald will once again rue an abject fielding performance, as catches continue to go down, contributing to this loss. Congratulations to the young guns of Broomfield, who were led superbly by skipper Baker, knocking off the required runs in 36 overs.