Brook 2nds bounced back from its first loss of the season to defeat a tenacious Grayswood III side to keep their hopes of the Division 5 trophy alive.

The visitors skipper Chetan Nittur broke Brook’s winning run of tosses and didn’t hesitate in asking Jim Macaulay’s men to bat. The veteran opening partnership of Jim and John Hamilton (38) made a steady start aided by some very wayward opening bowling from Grayswood. Extras were comfortably the leading scorer when Jim chased another wide one and edged behind after a partnership of 31. John was at his resolute best while letting Adnan Khan (106*) find his range and keeping the scoreboard moving. Sadly he was forced to retire after tweaking his hamstring. Adnan spared no bowler as he powered his way to a well deserved century with seven maximums to give Brook an excellent platform to push for victory. Will Owen (17) played a great hand towards the end in the search for quick runs in the final total of 214-3.

Grayswood approached the run chase steadily and sensibly, skipper Nittur (25) and White (36) punishing anything loose in putting on 65 runs for the first wicket. Ishfaq Ali (2-49) provided the all important breakthrough with an excellent one handed caught and bowled to send Nittur on his way. Grayswood kept building dangerous partnerships but each time, as has occurred throughout our shortened season, a Brook bowler stepped up to the plate to nullify the threat. Adnan (1-29) added to his match winning performance with a superb spell of miserly bowling. Will Owen (2-34) picked up crucial wickets with his much improved left arm spin. Neil Cooper (2-20) was terrific as usual but the bowling plaudits go to Ishfaq for closing out the match with a great last over to leave Grayswood 10 runs short.

Brook go to Witley for the final week of the season in a must win game. If Headley III slip up again at The Bourne, Brook will win the Division 5 trophy.

Report by Jim Macaulay