Braintree's Under 13's played their first game of the season against local rivals Witham and, despite a narrow defeat, showed some real potential for the coming season. Given the majority of the side are U11 players they stuck to the task well and could have got something out of the game in the end.
Batting first Braintree got off to a nervous start losing Theo Sherry (1) and Joe Chaplin (0) early on. Luke Huckson and Will Sherry set about rebuilding and put on 39 before Huckson was bowled by Max Bywater for a well made 21. Lucas Hale joined Sherry at the crease and the young pair proceeded to put on an unbeaten 57 for the 5th wicket. Sherry's 32 not out was made in 45 balls and consisted of 5 boundaries while Hale took his time to get in before unleashing 3 late boundaries to take his score to 15*
106 was a defendable total but Braintree struggled to take early wickets and the opening pair of Feddie Stefanini and Edward Franks put on 72 for the first wicket before Theo Sherry demolished the stumps of Franks. Harry Jones followed soon after as Joe Chaplin breached his defences and then Stefanini was well caught by Luke Huckson to give Will sherry his first wicket of the season. At 101-4 though it was a matter of when, not if, Witham would reach the target but there was still time for Hale to beat the outside edge of Bywater's bat and knock back his off stump.
No dream start for Braintree as Witham reached their target with 4 overs to spare but a spirited performance none the less.