Braintree CC’s 2nd XI recorded another loss with a 4 wicket defeat at the hands of Worlingworth.

Dave Hale and Charlie Garner were sent out to open and after striking a beautiful 4 down the ground, Hale fell victim to one of the best catches you’ll ever see, a spectacular one handed grab at mid off. Garner didn’t last much longer as he was caught by the same fielder and 2 more wickets fell quickly as Sherry and King both departed without scoring. That left the dolphins in major trouble at 10-4. Matt Kent and Joe Osborne tried to rebuild but after being given a lifeline via a drop at mid on, Kent chipped to cover. Osborne played a couple of eye catching shots before he was trapped lbw trying to work to leg and Andrew Gowers was soon gone too as he was bowled through the gate. This left the score at a barely believable 35-7, but some pride was restored by Milo Edwards and Karl Parker who both struck a few quick boundaries to get the score past 50. However, soon after, Parker was gone as he top edged to backward point. Edwards continued his fighting knock and reached 22 before he chipped back to the bowler. The final pair of Shaun Gould and Leigh Garner took the score past 100, Gould making 13 and Garner ending 4*. The final total was just 101, no where near enough on a typically flat home surface.

The visitors got off to a relatively quick start in their chase before the first wicket fell on 31 as Boynton chipped one to Edwards at cover off the bowling of Andrew Sherry. Dyer also departed with the score on 31 as he was caught by Joe Osborne running back. This time it was off the bowling of Dan King, who along with Sherry, really put pressure on the visitors and was unlucky not to pick up more wickets. Dave Hale was then brought into the attack and soon picked up the wicket of Moore, out lbw after a brisk 32. The visitors continued to attack but that led to their downfall as Hale first had Williamson caught and bowled, before sneaking through the defences of Gannon. He picked up his fourth as the batsman attempted a fine paddle sweep, but could only find Milo Edwards at short fine leg. Hale finished with figures of 4-32, a valiant effort on a tough day for the dolphins which eventually ended in a loss by 4 wickets.

A good fight but it was not to be and every game from now on is a must win if the dolphins want to remain in division 6 next year.