Still sore from losing their unbeaten record last week to fellow title contenders Kington Cricket Club, Goodrich 1st XI dusted themselves off to take on Brockhampton on Saturday, July 1st, and get their campaign back on track.

Any ill effects were hard to see as the Goodrich openers Sam Griffiths (31) and Chris Tookey (68) raced away to a 91 run opening stand from only 16 overs.

A lapse of concentration from Griffiths led to a cluster of wickets going down, as the Brockhampton spinners, Rhys Price and Rob Broadbridge, pegged the villagers back to 137-4.

It was once again left to the old heads of Brown (58) and Provis (36 not out) to first rescue the situation and then dazzle the crowd with an array of flicks, slaps and scoops. Joe Griffiths joined Provis late on to push the score to 238 - 5 at the close of their innings and Goodrich were able to breathe a little easier whilst tucking into a fantastic Thai curry tea, laid on by Lemon Thai of Ross-on-Wye.

The Goodrich players’ indulgence in the banquet, delicious as it was, led to a less than energetic start in the field. Uncharacteristically, a couple of regulation catches went down and slowly Brockhampton acquired the semblance of a platform at 49 without loss.

On cue, Mark Bradford (12 overs 3-34) struck twice in an over, with a sharp Joe Griffiths slip catch accounting for Sam Charles, and a cunningly disguised off-cutter sliding through the defences of his opening partner.

With an end open, Goodrich threw everything at Brockhampton. Chris Abell (1-22), James O’Brien (2-24) and Chris Tookey (2-35), all whittled their way through the batting order, and were ably assisted by two good catches, a run out from Bosco Barnett and some fine fielding by debutant Nye Morgan.

Brockhampton fought tooth and nail to hold out for the draw, however with one last roll of the dice, Joe Provis returned to the attack to find the edge, which was again snaffled at slip by Joey Griff.

With full bonus points collected, the south Herefordshire side reduced Kington’s lead at the top to a mere two points.

The QCR Recycling Man Of The Match award was presented to Bosco for his dynamic fielding. Goodrich CC also extend their thanks to Lemon Thai for providing an outstanding alternative tea.