Brockley, sponsored most generously by Precon Products, travelled to Essex in search of some competitive cricket played in a thoroughly enjoyable manner and, rather like their recent match with the peerless Needham Market, they were in no way disappointed.

Brockley found themselves fielding first although their captain’s role in that outcome was somewhat lacking in transparency .

Sykes (2 for 25) was quickly into the fray as he probed both around the offstump and also in the region of the best chip shop. Pace (2 for 35) adopted a somewhat more traditional approach by simply focussing on bowling with swing and obviously pace.

Bergholt fought for every run despite losing early wickets and got to 75-4 before Jeffery (1 for 27) for took his customary wicket with a regulation caught and bowled.

After Steve Fenner swooped with the power and agility that makes him Walsham’s MVP to secure a direct hit run out, the flamboyant McGann then stepped up with a crucial spell of 4 for 27 to limit Bergholt to 113 all out.

At this point a good day for Brockley became absolutely bloody marvellous with a truly superb tea that could happily have gone on for the rest of the afternoon.

Sadly the cricket had to resume and Bergholt were not giving up the points without a fight. At 28-3 and 73-5 the match was very much in the balance, however McCaffrey (51no) calmed the captain’s nerves to see the visitors home with support from the casually classy Paul Webb.

The day ended with a beer with the hosts and a trip to the Lawford chippy.

Top level sport doesn’t get any better than this and Brockley look forward to hosting Bergholt in similar style later in the season (Melford is the chippy of choice)

Garfish