Braintree’s second string made it 2 wins from 2 with an excellent performance against 2nd placed Woodbridge chasing down 248 with 5 overs to spare, largely thanks to a superb opening partnership of 185 between veterans Dave Hale and Jamie Foyster

Having lost the toss and been asked to field Braintree’s opening bowlers made early inroads into the Woodbridge line up and soon had them in trouble at 34-3. First to go was Marcus Smith (4) who cut uppishly and Joe Osborne took a great low catch at cover off of Danny King. King struck again shortly after as he snuck a full toss past the defences of Alistair Bailey to hit the base of off stump for a duck and when Andy Sherry nipped one back through the gate of Steven Ryder Braintree were well on top. However, once King (2-50) and Sherry (1-17) were out of the attack the Woodbridge pair of Vihm and Ward started to find their feet, and the pace of the wicket, and put on an 182 for the 4th wicket. Australian Vihm looked a class act as he used the crease intelligently to manoeuvre the ball around whilst Ward was more aggressive in his approach and brought up his century from just 72 balls. Shortly after though he played a tired looking shot and, despite both Andy Gowers and Dave Hale both calling and almost colliding, the latter pouched the return catch.
Vihm remained not out on 113 as Woodbridge set the Dolphins 248 to chase.

A solid foundation was required from openers Hale and Foyster and they were given a life off of only the 3rd ball of the inning as Hale drove in the air to mid off but the chance was spilled and it would prove to be costly for the visitors. Braintree’s openers were patient when required but there were enough poor deliveries for them to enjoy with Foyster being particularly brutal on anything short while Hale looked to drive anything slightly over-pitched. The pair put on 185 for the first wicket and just as thoughts turned to them seeing the job through together Foyster miscued a lofted drive and was caught at mid off for an excellently made 60.
In the following over Hale brought up a well deserved hundred, pulling King to the square boundary for 4 and although the introduction of Vihm to the bowling attacked triggered a minor wobble Braintree were well in control. Both Nick Lockhart (1) and Matt Kent (5) were trapped in front by the Aussie but Joe Osborne hit a composed 18 not out to support Hale in getting over the line with time to spare. Hale finished with a career best 142* from 123 balls which included 18 fours and 3 maximums.
Next week the 2’s travel to league leaders Colchester Cavaliers looking to extend a winning run and push themselves up the table.