Goresbrook and Belhus level on Sunday (From Thurrock Gazette)

Dramatic tie at Borth Stifford

12:40pm Friday 1st June 2012 in Sport

Belhus Sunday 1st 217-7 Goresbrook 1st 217-5 CRICKET: THESE two clubs have played out some epic matches in the past, but none more so than this dramatic tie in the Essex Sunday league east division at North Stifford.

The Belhus script was played out well by Joe Joyce, with a stylish knock of 65 runs from as many deliveries, while brother Danny hit 64, also from the same number of balls faced.

With number seven batsman Billy Winter remaining undefeated on 41, the Belhus total of 217 looked a challenging one. For Goresbrook, Israel Ochwo, Jordan Calverley and Kane Messenger took two wickets apiece.

After tea, Goresbrook kept up with the required rate through opening batsman Kurt Whisker with 61, but number three batsman Michael Rooke took his team to the cusp of victory with a fine, aggressive 77 not out from only 62 balls.

With Calverley and Afzal Hussain hitting 24 and 29 respectively, Goresbrook needed ten runs to win from the final over bowled by Paul Bennett.

But Goresbrook could only muster nine runs and the match was tied. Connor Day picked up 2-32 from eight overs while Luke Clements and Bennett picked up one wicket each. The most economical bowler was Rikki Ellis.

For more ricket see Friday's THURROCK GAZETTE