Braintree's U11s made their first win of the season with an incredible display at West Bergholt in a 10 aside contest.

On the staggeringly hot, dry, and sunny Sunday morning, Braintree fielded first and the opening bowler and Captain, Lucas Hale, and a debuting Corbyn Macleod gave the Mini Dolphins a great start in the first 4 overs, between them only allowing Bergholt 9 runs. This was followed up strong with the prolific Will Sherry, who bowled a wicket maiden and then another maiden, and Bertie Burnside, who took two wickets for a mere 6 runs off his two overs, one brilliantly stumped by keeper Jake Lee. Starting off this well with more to come, George Martin and our debuting William Gregory, took one wicket each, a brilliantly executed ball from Martin, sending the bails flying, and a nonchalant caught and bowled for Gregory had spectators on their feet.
Following this up, Hale, Sherry, and Luke Huckson spelled the next 4 overs, only allowing 5 runs between them, another maiden for spin bowler Sherry, and one for Huckson. Then to finalise the innings, Martin and Macleod brought a storm. Keeper Lee took an incredible diving catch off Martin, taking another 5 runs from Bergholt. Macleod determined to leave his mark, took 3 wickets in his 2 overs for 6 runs, middle stump knocked out of place each and every time. Let’s just say the innings will not be one very quickly forgotten by the mini dolphins, nor the very proud parents.



With a final total of 212, as always in terriers cricket the key is to keep wickets intact while ticking over the scoreboard and the first pairing of Hale and Sherry did exactly that with some impressive running between the wickets as they accumulated their runs in quick singles, and some brilliant cover drives for 4. The next 2 pairings of Huckson and Macleod, and Burnside and Gregory, approached the game in the same way and by losing just 3 wickets ensured that, with 8 overs to go the score was 260 and the boys were in a great position. Notable performance with the bat from Burnside and Gregory, with exceptional communication between the wickets, bringing in 20 runs between them.
A partnership of 13 between Martin and Lee, with one wicket lost, allowed final pair Hale and Sherry to return to the pitch for the last 4 overs, with a comfortable lead. With a staggering show, Hale adding an extra 29 to his personal total, and putting on 39 runs between them, Braintree finished on 307 which, in a 20 over game, 107 is their biggest total yet, scoring themselves a win by almost a hundred runs, for minimal loses.



A great first win for a team that is growing in confidence with every game and has an amazing team spirit! Coach Calley Foyster was definitely beaming with pride. Well done lads!