Michael Rooke

Goresbrook 131 all out lost to Ford Sports 132-9 by one wicket

Goresbrook’s hopes of retaining their Essex County Cricket League Premier Division title were dealt a hammer blow, following their defeat to lowly Ford on Saturday.

Once again the poor batting that saw them beaten by five wickets at Scintilla was to blame, as they struggled to 131 all out after failing to form any meaningful partnerships.

Goresbrook had a horror start after they won the toss and opted to bat, losing their first wicket quickly as skipper Kurt Whisker bowled by Ali Raja (4-25) for a duck.

Jordan Calverley was the second wicket to fall when caught and bowled by Raja who led the assault, supported by Bharat Dabhi (3-22), Adeel Mirza (2-27) and Aurfan Javid (1-31).

Difficult

In fact Michael Rooke (29) and Lawrence Walsh (28) were the only batsmen to get going in the Goresbrook innings, as scoring proved difficult on a hastily prepared wicket after early showers had waterlogged the intended strip at Newbury Park.

Disappointingly, the Dagenham side failed to put together any partnerships of note, as poor shot selection and a moving ball caused a procession of wickets.

’Brook were ultimately dismissed for 131, committing the cardinal sin of failing to bat out their 45 overs.

It was clear at tea that an exceptional bowling effort was required to have any chance of victory.

They proceeded to defend their meagre total of 131 heroically in the field, but ultimately Ford held their composure in the final over as their last pair secured the seven runs required for victory.

Good start

Disciplined seam bowling from Richard Williams (1-10) and Michael Rooke (0-18) got Goresbrook off to a good start, before spinners Shane Barwick (3-22) and Lawrence Walsh (3-24) continued to restrict progress.

Krishna Rajah (1) was the first to depart when he was bowled by Williams. Barwick then struck twice as he bowled opener Hassan Masood (13) and then had Abba Anwar (14) trapped lbw for 14.

However a fine 55 from Ghulam Moinudin kept the Motormen in the hunt and Awadh Amar (16) added runs before the tail started to crumble.

But despite the late jitters, Ford’s final pair held their nerve and edged over the line with the penultimate ball of the contest.

The loss leaves Gorsebrook fourth in the table with 117 points and well adrift of the unbeaten Scintilla who lead the way with 158. Ford are seventh with 88 points.