Braintree CC managed to field three teams this week as the upward trend in availability continued, with the third XI beating next weeks 2nd XI opponents Tendring by 95 runs.

Nick Lockhart and Ian Johnston opened the batting and made a patient start, as there was not much value for shots on a slow outfield and a pitch with variable bounce. Johnston started to find his rhythm, striking a large six over the leg side before being dismissed for 26. Arindam Ganguly stayed put while Lockhart built his innings but was dismissed for 5 after trying to play a big shot. It was just after drinks that Lockhart picked up the pace and reached his 50, at which he retired, as was agreed by the captains before play. Guy Walton and Charlie Garner capitalised on some loose bowling from Tendring’s spinners, but Walton departed on 15 when he too went for a big shot down the ground. Karl Parker added some real impetus to the innings with a quick fire 35 from 24 balls, including 2 large sixes, with Garner ably supporting with 31 to leave a score of 200 in sight, however both were dismissed caught and bowled in the final few overs. Callum Lazarus and debutant Harvey Castle-Hacker finished the innings off with 6* and 2* respectively with the score finishing on 191-5.

The opening bowling pair of Leigh Garner and the returning Lazarus started well with Lazarus sneaking through the defences of Casey Chambers early. The second wicket soon fell as Grant wicks slapped one straight to another debutant, Charlie Moore, who took a well judged catch at mid on, a fist wicket of the day for Leigh Garner. Oliver Wicks didn’t last much longer as he feathered one through to Ganguly off Lazarus. That left the home side in trouble at 23-3 but Haywood and Mathi struck a few quick boundaries to put the pressure back on the dolphins bowlers before L Garner removed both, equally well caught by Parker and Walton to leave the score 54-5. Moore then got in the act, sneaking one under the bat of Cooper, while at the other end C Garner replicated that with the removal of O Jenno. Both picked up another wicket, Moore having G Jenno brilliantly caught by Parker before Patel was also well taken by Keeper Ganguly off Garner. Skipper for the day Calley Foyster finished the innings off before it could reach 100 by flighting one up and disturbing the timber of Messenger, Tendring all out for 96.

Great to see 4 teams out on one weekend for the dolphins, and three wins out of three on Saturday. Hopefully 3 teams becomes a regular occurrence over the next few years as the club continues to build.