Braintree Cricket Club’s First Eleven finally recorded their first win of the season when they defeated Bury St Edmunds by 2 wickets on Saturday.
In temperatures approaching the high twenties the St Peters Road wicket looked like a road and it was no surprise when the visiting captain elected to bat first after winning the toss. However, initially the decision didn’t go to plan as Braintree claimed two wickets inside the opening 10 overs with just 26 runs on the board. James Sturgeon (7) was caught by Glen Newham off the bowling of Robbie Spalding whilst Tom Curran (1) was drawn out of his crease by Geoff Eveling and smart glovework by Bryn Powell saw him stumped.
Justin Bishop, who had formerly represented by both Essex and Suffolk, and Aussie Nik Radhakrishnan put on 64 runs for the third wicket. Eventually, Bishop (41) was well caught by Rory Ainsley off the bowling of Louis Cant and Radhakrishnan (46) edged a delivery from Spalding into Powell’s gloves.
Cant claimed a further 3 wickets as Bury were reduced to 154 for 7. Sam Harrison (0) was spectacularly caught by Chris Hinks, Michael Faulkner (2) had his stumps dismantled and Ned Stanton had made his way to 42 when he snicked off to Powell. Chris Hinks trapped Dan Harrison (3) LBW and then had Joe Cordera (2) cleaned bowled. The visitor’s innings closed on 185 when Eveling had Adam Kizis (21) caught one handed by Chris Leech. Louis Cant was the pick of the Dolphin’s bowlers taking 4 for 54 off his allotted 12 overs.
With Chris Leach having aggravating a hand injury, Bryn Powell and Matt Kent opened the Braintree innings unfortunately both were soon back in the pavilion having scored only 8 and 6 respectively. Chris Hinks didn’t fair any better scoring just 6.
Louis Cant and Rory Ainsley then patiently put on 31 runs for the third wicket, ensuring that any loose deliveries were despatched to the ropes. That was until Cant, having just struck an excellent cover drive was caught out for 22. Joe Osbourne joined Ainsley at the crease and the youngster ably supported his teammate who continued to find the boundary at regular intervals, bringing up his half century with a pull to mid-wicket. Ainsley eventually fell victim to Bishop having scored 59.
Joe Osbourne continued to bat sensibly facing 57 balls before he was beaten by the spin of Radhakrishnan and was bowled for 16. Robbie Spalding with his usual swash buckling style moved the Dolphins within 16 runs of victory, however he got a leading edge and was caught for a quick fire 28.
Chris Leach was waiting to bat one handed if required, he wasn’t required though as Glen Newham (7*) and Grace Poole (14*) comfortably saw Braintree over the line with Poole scoring the winning boundary with 8 balls to spare.
Another close game, however, this time it was Braintree who just about came out on top.