The reverse fixture of this game saw a fine century from Dave Hale and a Gouldstone tea for the ages ….. this game unfortunately provided neither of those things!!

Braintree 2’s headed up the A12 then all the way along the A14 to the seaside for a must win game. After a fine win the previous week against promotion chasers Abberton, the skipper was hoping for a far easier victory this week.
Having arrived at the ground to see kids playing headers and volleys over the covers and waiting for the u12 football game to finish, the goalposts to be removed and the cricket pitch set up. The pitch was finally revealed and what we found was a ‘don’t fancy batting on that’ deck.
The toss was done and as most weeks this season the skipper called correctly and unlike most weeks this season he asked to bowl.
A decision vindicated within 3 balls as Pagêt snuck one through the ultra aggressive defence of the opener. From then on wickets seemed to fall every over! Sherry picking up the 1st of his 6 wickets instantly, again some fine bowling and some rather questionable batting helping the cause! The opening/only bowlers set about the task with accuracy and intent. When the ball did find the bat it would find the edges and be taken by the slips. Shibu Vargese with a fine tumbling catch to help Sherry to his 5 wicket haul.
Special mention to Dan Garner for pulling of a sensational 1 handed catch at 1st slip to a ball that had already cannoned of the stumps. The Stuart Broad celebration after was well deserved.
Paget and Sherry nearly accounted for all the victims but Gowers couldn’t let them have all the fun! Securing the final wicket with a run out, Scooping the ball up at point and after some suicidal running by the ‘unbeaten’ opener (21 of 42) leaving his partner stranded at the same end as him, lobbed the ball to bowlers end to bring an end to a short first innings.

Felixstowe all out for 50.
Sherry 6-27 Pagêt 3-22

As no tea was provided a quick turnaround was agreed upon and Garner and Osborne set about picking off the runs quickly and with no risk! Timing from the off was sweet from both Garner smashing the bowler straight back over his head 2nd ball. As Garner set about his business Osborne joined in the fun with 3 lovely cover drives but unfortunately 4th time was not the charm and a simple catcher offered up and gladly taken.
Walton strides to the crease with half the runs accounted for and got stuck in, seeing if some decent bowling and providing Garner with support. Unfortunately Walton fell with 2 runs required kicking the ball onto his own stumps. Skipper strode out with 2 to win and after the 1st ball broke his little toe decided to step inside the next and let it sail down the leg side for 5 leg byes.
Garner not out 32 of 40
Job done for Braintree 2’s 20 points in the bag and on the road home by 4pm.

The promotion charge continues next week against Yoxford.

Up the fins