Braintree 3’s were back in action after their first defeat of the season, looking to bounce back against Copford, and despite some heroics from Nick Lockhart, they fell just short in a pulsating contest.

After ‘winning’ the toss captain MacLeod, decided to try and wear the opposition out in searing heat, by batting first. Nick Lockhart producing a magnificent 107 that combined patience, timing and plenty of reminders to the fielders that boundary ropes are there for a reason.

Lockhart anchored the innings superbly, batting through the key phases while wickets fell around him. His century provided the foundation for Braintree’s total and ensured Copford’s bowlers spent much of the afternoon wondering if they’d accidentally signed up for extra overs.

Will Sherry chipped in with a valuable 24, helping build the momentum from the off before Lucas Hale provided the late fireworks. Hale’s entertaining 32 down the order came with some serious hitting, giving Braintree’s innings the kind of finish that leaves scorers having to re-focus and spectators suddenly paying closer attention.

Despite Copford managing to pick up nine wickets, Braintree’s blend of Lockhart’s class and Hale’s late power saw them finish strongly on 239-9, a total that looked very competitive and gave the bowlers plenty to work with.

Copford, however, had other ideas.

Openers Vinter and Owen produced a formidable partnership of 173 for the first wicket, steadily chipping away at the target while Braintree rotated bowlers, fielders, plans and possibly a few quiet prayers in search of the elusive breakthrough.

To Braintree’s credit, heads never dropped. Tight spells from Garner and the MacLeod siblings kept things competitive, with pressure finally telling when the elder MacLeod delivered the breakthrough Braintree had been desperately hunting. The wicket was completed by Corbyn, producing a pleasing dad / son combination that briefly lifted spirits and raised hopes around the field.

Suddenly, Copford were wobbling….but only slightly.

Momentum slowed, Garner struck twice to give Braintree a genuine sniff of an unlikely comeback, and thoughts of a dramatic twist started creeping in. However, Vinter reached a classy hundred and the likelihood of a Braintree comeback melted away.

Copford held their nerve and any hopes of a late Braintree miracle were extinguished in the penultimate over as Copford crossed the line with an over to spare, completing an impressive chase after a match that swung from Lockhart’s century masterclass to Copford’s dominant opening stand, before finally delivering a late tease of drama that is division nine cricket at its finest.