Braintree II’s finally broke their losing streak with a 40 run win away to Sudbourne Hall.
Braintree were put in to bat on a very green looking wicket and the opening pair of Matt Kent and Jeremy Hollingsworth got the visitors off to a solid start. Both played some attractive shots down the ground, however, after reaching 17, Matt Kent was bowled which signalled the start of Braintree’s struggles.
The runs then started to dry up as wickets fell. Unfortunately, Joe Osborne could not replicate his sterling efforts from the last 2 games and skipper Andrew Sherry was then dismissed by Peter Mark after a good catch at mid off.
Runs were hard to come by as the Sudbourne bowlers mixed up their lengths well to limit the scoring opportunities. After 30 overs, Braintree were struggling at 74-5 and needed a partnership to get them up to a competitive total. This came in the form of Mark Osborne and Charlie Garner who eventually managed to get the score up to 141. After initially struggling to get the ball away (and taking a knock to the head) Osborne found some fluency and after a last over 6, propelled his score to 40*. At the other end, Garner played a supporting role with a well complied 18*.
If they were to have any chance of winning the game, Braintree knew early wickets were essential. With Callum Lazarus keeping it tight at one end, Andrew Sherry struck 3 times early on, dismantling Sudbourne’s top order. When Braintree needed a breakthrough, Sherry was on hand, having Nisbet caught behind and then bowling Henry to leave the visitors floundering. Sherry’s spell, which incredibly included 9 maidens, set the tone for the innings. He never missed his lengths and eventually finished with remarkable figures of 5-7 from his 12 overs.
Sudbourne’s scoring was limited further by consistent bowling from Leigh Garner. After first having Robson caught behind, he proceeded to take 2 more wickets. One of them thanks to a reaction catch from Joe Osbourne at midwicket. He eventually finished with very respectable figures of 3-25.
After Pickthorn provided some resistance with a determined 31, Lee Fullgrabe had him caught and bowled. The last wicket fell next ball courtesy of a sharp low catch from the skipper at slip which epitomised everything that was good about Braintree on the day.
A really enjoyable day for the team and something they’ll be hoping to replicate next week as they host Worlingworth next Saturday.