Goresbrook's Bobby Gaymer anchored the innings

Gaymer anchors the run-chase in Cox & Kings semi-final clash

Assistant manager Kane Messenger praised Goresbrook under-15s for one of their ‘best-ever’ performances after witnessing their safe progression to the Cox & Kings Cup final.

After Ilford had been restricted to 103-5 in the semi-final, a fine opening partnership of 55 from Bobby Gaymer and Shane Barwick steered ’Brook to victory.

And Messenger, whose team will now meet the winners of Woodford Wells and Walthamstow from the second semi-final, was full of praise for the character shown by ’Brook’s players to bounce back from a league defeat suffered just 48 hours earlier.

“It was one of our best performances since we have been together as a squad in almost six years,” he said.

“We were so poor on Sunday and we decided to work hard, put in extra training and go out and play for the badge and that’s exactly what we did and deservedly have a final now to look forward to.”

Ilford won the toss and elected to bat on a rock-hard track, but Gaymer used the new ball superbly to take the first wicket.

Ben Irving also bowled well and smart fielding from Ausman Ginai forced a run out, as ’Brook continued to make the home side work for every run.

Liam Addison came on and he bowled with pace and hostility to bag three wickets for 27 in four overs.

Spinners Billy Smith and Barwick were on top form, with Smith going for just 13 runs and Barwick 21 in their respective four-over spells.

Gaymer finished the innings off, ending with figures of 1-13.

’Brook needed a good start in reply and openers Gaymer and Barwick obliged to put on a superb 55 in nine overs, until Barwick’s dismissal for 27.

Gaymer was playing the anchor role superbly as Irving went for a quick-fire 12, including one massive straight six.

Joel Oliver hit 13 in 10 balls as the momentum was kept up, before Gaymer then retired on 30.

Jack Stead fell for seven going for a big shot, but ’Brook were still in control as Liam Addison was joined by Ginai in the middle and the pair ensured a famous victory with 10 balls to spare.

The final will be played at Woodford Wells Cricket Club on Sunday, at 9.30am.