Braintree’s development xi started their season with a comfortable win over terling, 6 wickets the margin in the end.

The opening pair of Joe Osborne and Theo Sherry both bowled with good control in their spells, finishing with 1-11 and 2-22 respectively. Other youngsters Thomas Mellon and Tony Adcock also bowled well, Adcock especially impressing with astounding figures of 4-3 from just 1.3 overs. 14 year old Joe Chaplin also got his first taste of senior action, displaying good accuracy in his 4 overs. In the end, due to a mixture of great bowling and some average batting, Terling were bowled out for 109.

The youngsters had shone with the ball, so it was time for the experienced pair of Geoff Eveling and Nick Lockhart to show their class, and that they did, both reaching 30 in an excellent display of patience. Lockhart hit a towering six over the pavilion before both were dismissed before reaching 40. Charlie Garner and Sherry both came and went while Adam Westall stuck it well at the other end, finishing on a gritty 11*. His partner to see Braintree over the line was Joe Osborne, who finished with a flourish, striking a four through cover to win the game, finishing on 17*.

Some good momentum for the young side that they hope will be continued this week away at Chignal.