In the opening league game of the season, and after coming into the game on a high after an impressive and convincing victory in the preseason friendly the week before against the same opposition, Braintree CC 1st XI were unfortunately narrowly defeated in a closely contested encounter, as Abberton & District CC chased down a target of 158 with 3 wickets remaining.
Batting first, having won toss, Braintree found themselves under pressure from the outset, losing an early wicket with the score on just 1 as Chris Hinks' off stump was sent cartwheeling after getting a cracking ball from Moxon. The innings never quite gained full momentum, despite a couple of key contributions.
Bryn Powell (30) provided stability alongside captain Chris Walker (51 from 53 balls) to anchor the innings. However, just as Braintree looked to build a strong platform at 105-3, a cluster of wickets derailed the innings, slipping to 120-8 and halting progress at a crucial stage.
Valuable late contributions from 1st XI debutants Shibu Varghese (28* off 25) and Michael Rake (7 off 31) ensured Braintree reached 158 all out in 40.2 overs, a score well below par but one that gave the bowlers something to defend. The Abberton attack shared the workload effectively, with multiple bowlers picking up two wickets apiece and maintaining consistent pressure throughout.
The message at tea was that if Braintree were going to get a result from this the team would have to give 110%. In reply, Braintree made an ideal start as Scott Jackson was dismissed for a duck in the first over, caught by a sharp catch from Matt Renvojze behind the stumps off the express bowling of Johnny Whiteoak. However, Abberton responded well through a strong partnership between Elliott Mann (45) and Richard Moxon, who played a decisive innings of 56 from 56 balls.
The pair took control of the chase, putting Abberton firmly in the driving seat before Braintree showed a bit of grit and determination in order to fight back with a series of wickets to keep the contest alive. Toby Adcock was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets including the vital wicket of Moxon with an impressive sharp caught and bowled. Johnny Whiteoak also impressed with two key breakthroughs and showed great heart and commitment throughout his spells. Chris Hinks also gets a deserved mention for two good spells of bowling with an economy rate of 2.44 from his 9 overs, also picking up a wicket. He was also unlucky to not get a second when Matt Renvoize took another sharp catch off the outside edge of the bat, a catch which he was quoted as stating was one of the best takes of his career for only the umpire to disagree and adjudge it not out.
Despite these efforts, Abberton’s middle order held their nerve. Keith Hammond (28 off 44)* guided the visitors home, supported by late contributions as they reached 159-7 in 35.3 overs, sealing victory by 3 wickets.
Whist Braintree were disappointed to start off the season with a loss there were plenty of positive and in particularly a spirited bowling and fielding effort that kept the game competitive throughout.