Braintree CC’s 2nd XI lost a second consecutive game with a 100 run loss away at Mildenhall, although put in a valiant effort in the scorching heat and with some regulars not available.

After losing a crucial toss Braintree were asked to bowl and created another little slice of History with a father and son opening partnership of Andrew and Theo Sherry leading the attack and it was youngster Theo who pinned Ian Handy in front with a ball that kept a bit low to make the breakthrough bagging a first senior league wicket in the process. The senior Sherry wasn’t extracting as much movement as usual so after 6 overs Leigh Garner was brought into the attack. After a loose first over, he found his rhythm and picked up two crucial wickets, including the one of Leo-Jay Scarff, who hit some imperious boundaries in his 48. Both were caught by Hugo Adams, who had a fantastic all round day in the field. Injured Reuben handy was soon gone as Shaun Gould tempted him into a big sweep that he top edged to give keeper Hollingsworth a simple take. There was then a frustrating partnership between two Taylors’, who both made 50’s in a well balanced manor, rotating the strike nicely whilst hitting boundaries when required. Braintree halted the momentum as Calley Foyster had Martin Taylor caught via a tumbling catch by Charlie Garner in the deep. Andrew Sherry brought himself back on and cleaned up Affal before Danesh struck him for 4 fours in an over. In the midst of all this, Mildenhall wasted a fair amount of time as players were not ready to come in when the wicket fell, with the Braintree skipper making his feelings very clear. Dave Hale closed out the innings well as he claimed two wickets, both bowled, with the home side finishing on 246-8.

With Jamie Foyster not available, Nick Lockhart partnered Dave Hale at the top of the order and they made a decent enough start, ticking the scoreboard along at nearly 5 over by keeping out the good balls and dispatching anything loose to the boundary. After making 26 however, Lockhart was caught on the boundary, not quite getting enough power while attempting to hit a full toss for six. Hollingsworth was in it 3 and kept the scoreboard moving, striking 3 quick boundaries before being caught behind. Having struggled for rythym as the playing service slowed and the ball softened, Hale was bowled soon after, also for 26, a big wicket as he has been the man in form. Skipper Andrew Sherry came and went after a few nice shots as he was caught at point before Charlie Garner chipped one back the bowler to leave Braintree 5 down with only 100 on the board. 5 became 6 as Ian Johnston fell for a duck, bowled by Danesh, before Theo Sherry and Adams also fell without troubling the scorers. Leigh Garner and Calley Foyster displayed some grit to try and gain Braintree some bonus points, but just shy of 125, Foyster was run out attempting a quick single. Veteran Shaun Gould, along with Garner, who struck two crunching boundaries down the ground, took the score to near 150, milking the singles until Garner was bowled for 19, the score on 146.

A tough day for the Dolphins but some valuable points gained in the scorching sun, and Braintree will hope to get back to winning ways at home to Felixstowe