Brabner bidding for back-to-back victories

Harold Wood captain Richard Brabner is hoping his side can make it back-to-back wins in Essex League Division One this weekend.

Wood secured a seven-wicket victory over Harlow last weekend and visit second-placed Orsett & Thurrock, who have lost just once in seven matches, tomorrow (Saturday).

And Brabner believes the growing confidence in Wood’s camp will help in their bid to secure another positive result.

He said: “They have had a fantastic start to the season, but after our disappointing performance against Southend, the win against Harlow boosted our confidence.”

Ahead of the clash with Harlow, Brabner had spoken of the importance of dismissing Ahmed Khawaja early, giving his fine form with the bat this season.

Khawaja had hit two centuries and two half-centuries in the first six weeks of the campaign, but Wood’s tactics went to plan as Waqas Shafique held on to a return caught and bowled chance to dismiss the dangerman for just seven.

“Shafique bowled really well to get Khawaja, which is pleasing considering he has taken a little time to get into the swing of the season,” added Brabner.

Harlow were dismissed for 130, with the wicket shared between Shafique (3-21), Maruf Chowdhury (3-24), Zohran Afzal (2-23) and Brabner (2-24).

And half-centuries from Raihan Hussain (51) and Craig Perrin (62 not out) helped steer Wood to their target with few alarms.

Brabner added: “Hussain and Perrin batted well for their fifties, no one else needed to have a go!

“We are there to win the game at the end of the day. The team, including myself, gave a top bowling performance against Harlow and are full of confidence from the victory.”