Braintree CC fielded a Sunday team for the first time in a number of years and the game did not disappoint as a thrilling encounter ended in a win wicket win for the dolphins in the final over.

In a team that included a wide range of players, all the way from an established first teamer, to a 14 year old, as well as 2 Braintree debutants, there was a fresh feeling about the place. Skipper Luke Gouldstone lost the toss and Braintree were fielding first. The opening bowling pair of Two newbies this season, Milo edwards and Hassan Tennakoon, while not always accurate, both produced outstanding deliveries at times, with Edwards picking up two early wickets, first bowling the opener with a full toss, and secondly with a strangle down the leg side, a good take from stand in keeper Luke Gouldstone. Edwards picked up a third as Hamza A chipped one up into the awaiting hands of Charlie Garner, a fifth catch of the season for the up and coming all rounder. Danny A and Usama A then put on a decent partnership, dispatching anything short and wide to the fence. There was tight bowling from debutant Ruwan at one end, while at the other Leigh garner struggled for consistency, going at more than ten an over in his first spell. However, later in the innings, he returned with 2 accurate overs, a good comeback from the veteran. Young leg spinner Toby Adcock was then brought into the attack and he bowled incredibly well in only his second ever senior outing. He first had Usama A caught at mid on by Lee Fullgrabe, before also claiming the scalps of Danny A, caught at cover after a sharp grab by Joe Osborne, as well as another, with Lee Fullgrabe jumping high to pouch one on the long on boundary. Adcock finished with 3-23 from 7 overs, a fantastic display of bowling from the young gun. Off spinner Charlie Garner was then brought on for his first bowl of the season and soon picked up a wicket after a simple catch by Edwards at cover. Leigh Garner then got in the action with a run out, with his son Charlie whipping off the bails. Edwards was the brought back on but by this stage, the west London opposition were swinging for the hills, after some lusty blows and some loose deliveries by Garner, Hassnat A’s 55 propelled the visitors to a solid score of 243-8 from their 40 overs.

It was a tough total but it was a flat pitch and Braintree knew it could be achievable with sensible batting. The opening pair of Charlie garner and Ruwan showed contrasting styles of batting, with the latter being bowled after a wild hack second ball, while garner was patient, happy to leave the ball outside off stump. The second wicket soon fell as Joe Osborne fell victim to a magic delivery, the ball pitching outside off and hitting the leg bail. Braintree were soon three down as Joel Ainsley was bowled by another beauty. Adcock then came in, and along with Garner, who was starting to find some fluency with his trademark flicks off the pads, added some solidity to the innings. After accumulating 17, Garner was bowled by one that kept low. After a long vigil at the crease which displayed a solid defensive technique, Adcock was caught at square leg to leave Braintree five down. Lee Fullgrabe then added some impetus to to the innings by striking 3 fours from his first 3 balls and after Hugo Adams was adjudged lbw, he and Gouldstone started to build a solid partnership. Gouldstone showed his class with well timed drives and flicks, as well as the odd big shot. He was ably supported by both Fullgrabe and Edwards, the former reaching 26 before being bowled. As the bowling was rotated, skipper Gouldstone cashed in, striking the ball all around the park with elegance, first reaching his first 50 of the season, before powering his way to only the second hundred of his cricketing career. Along the way, Edwards played an extremely important role, keeping out the good balls while rotating the strike. He was eventually bowled after a hard-fought 23, and that brought Leigh garner to the crease, who stuck around long enough to allow Gouldstone to get the dolphins close to victory. With a few overs to go, Garner sacrificed himself to get the set batter back on strike leaving Braintree needing 12 from two overs with one wicket left. Number 11 Hassan Tennakoon survived a few balls, finding a single in the process, before Gouldstone struck the winning runs with a four pulled into leg side, Braintree winning an absorbing contest with just three balls to spare.

An exciting game which provided a great opportunity for players to gain match experience and improve different aspects of their game. A special mention must go to Gouldstone for his magnificent 130* , as well as for being the stand in keeper and captain on day. A great game capping off a great weekend for the dolphins. The Sunday team will hope to blossom further with more games coming up in June and July, hopefully providing more experience for players who cannot always play on a Saturday