Brookweald 1st XI vs Burnham Sports CC, Essex, 1st XI

After many weeks on the sidelines due to the unforgiving weather Brookweald members( 4Bs) were desperate to get a game on. However the outfield conditions were proving very tricky indeed. A heroic effort by the ground staff and volunteers helped to make the outfield just about playable and it was game on at the Weald against a strong Burnham Sporty Cc. 

Overcasts, cloudy conditions with the ever present threat of showers meant the toss was key and Brookweald skipper Del B promptly lost it.

Having put Brookweald in to bat, Burnham showed their class by cutting the top order to size with accurate and impressive seam bowling. The 4Bs were 14-3 off 6 overs and looking into the Burnham barrel. The next few over were key to the match - had Waz Shaikh or Sheryar folded then it would have ended quickly and badly. 

Waz and Shery dug in against fantastic bowing and abject umpiring. Eventually they started to put the pressure on the bowling. Waz’s 40 felt more like a 80 and Shery deserved a Ton but ran out of partners. He carried his bat for a match winning 93 not out. Ali came in for some magnificent late order hitting after Waz was given out run out in very questionable circumstances. Ali 60 was to prove crucial later on as no other Brookweald batters poster 3 figures in the match. Waz, Shery and Ali hauled the 4Bs to a seemingly impossible 226. A target that was very good on an uneven, slow ground. 

The 4Bs bowlers led by Moiz had Burnham in trouble early and the conditions proved that it was tough out in the middle. JP Hepple once again proved that brains out weigh brawn at the Weald. However Burnham never let their heads down and made a brilliant game out of it. Always in touching distance and at one stage looked to be on top after a few injuries to the 4Bs fielders. The game went down to the last 5 overs but Burhman fell 24 runs short. 

A engaging, intense opening game that had a bit of everything was played in the best spirit by both sides and a special thanks to Burhman Cc for their sportsmanship and skill. 

All eyes were on a nervous and excited new Skipper Del B. However as opening go this was a master class in player and man management. Always engaged and always working with his bowlers Del seemed one step ahead of the game. Listening to his key generals and keeping a positive and happy demeanour through out he never showed his opposition any weakness. The 4Bs are looking bright under his leadship. Bring on the next game.