Braintree 2’s began their season with a disappointing loss away at Worlingworth, however there were definitely positives in the performance to take forward. There was a debut for 13 year old Theo Sherry, who bowled with excellent control in his 4 over spell.

Braintree had a strong team out and after winning the toss and electing to bowl, early wickets were the main focus for the opening pair of Andrew Sherry and Josh Paget. The first wicket came early as Paget dismantled the stumps of Sam Boynton. Two more wickets fell quickly, one each for Paget and Sherry, and the visitors were in a precarious position at 16-3. Then came a solid partnership between two batsmen with very contrasting techniques. Dyer showed a very good temperament and played some attractive drives in his 47, while Kiernan slogged and slapped his way to 62. This was frustrating for the Braintree bowlers, but the partnership was eventually ended after two Garners combined to remove Dyer, Leigh with the wicket and Charlie with his catch. After some late hitting, Worlingworth managed to muster up 191-6, a few more than Braintree would have liked. The standout bowler was Paget, who only conceded 29 in his 12 overs, while Leigh garner also bowled solidly in an admirable death overs spell, picking up a couple of wickets.

The opening partnership of Nick Lockhart and Dave Hale were looking circumspect early before the first wicket fell when the former nicked behind for 3. Braintree were soon two down when Hale spooned one up for a catch on the off side boundary. Matt Kent was patient with the persistent line that was being bowled outside the off stump, and just after finding his rhythm, was bowled for 25. That brought Joe Osborne to the crease, and along with fellow youngster Charlie Garner, ground it out and weathered the storm before garner tamely chipped to cover on the stroke of drinks. From then on, it was a procession, with Osborne the only real resistance with 35, striking a few nicely timed fours, as well a beautiful slog sweep that went all the way for six. There were small contributions from Himesh Patel and Lee Fullgrabe, but in truth, Braintree never really stood any chance. The innings was wrapped up on 118 when Paget was bowled, a tough day for the dolphins. However, there are still 20 games to go and the bowling performance on a relatively flat wicket as well as the return to form for Osborne are good things to take into this weeks game at home to Kesgrave.