After a week off, the 3rd XI were up against Coggeshall with the hope of retaining their winning start.
After being put in to bat on a difficult surface, Braintree were soon in trouble, losing three quick
wickets to leave them 14/3 with opening bowlers, Dallinger and Smith bowling a miserly line and
length.
Co-captain Calum MacLeod and youngster Will Sherry attempted to rebuild the innings with a
patient fourth wicket partnership of 33 before MacLeod was trapped LBW for 27 straight after the
drinks break. Sherry tried to negotiate the pitch as wickets fell around him, before succumbing to a
sharp caught and bowled for 13. His 82 minute knock showed determination and maturity, boding
well for the season ahead.
Some fine line and length bowling did for the rest of the batting and Braintree were all out in the
32 nd over for just 70.
Knowing they had a small total to chase, Coggeshall got off to a fast start, reaching 46 off the first 8
overs. Just when it looked like it would be a procession, Nick Lockhart pulled off a stunning slip catch
to dismiss Ashley Blows for 23 off the bowling of Lucas Hale.
Hale continued to bowl with guile and pace, keeping the batsman on their toes, before Leigh Garner
joined the party with three quick wickets including two in two balls. At this stage Coggeshall had lost
4 wickets for 4 runs and Braintree felt that they could be back in with a shout.
Despite some excellent bowling and tight fielding, Coggeshall negotiated the last 20 runs well and
ran out victorious by 6 wickets. However, there were many positives to be had in the Braintree camp
and with a good mix of youth and experience, the 3 rd XI showed they have what it takes to be
competitive.