BURNHAM Sports Cricket Club got their 2015 campaign off to a mixed start, winning one out of their two pre-season fixtures.

In the first of these two games, two weeks ago, Burnham suffered a demoralising defeat at the hands of Willingale.

Batting first, Sports got off to the worst possible start, losing three early wickets.

However, Jack Silvester (32) and Joel Whittaker (47) got Burnham under way.

Jack Shipton (21) impressed on his debut for the club.

Meanwhile, club veteran Brian Leech also batted with confidence on his way to reaching a quick-fire 30.

Sports were bowled out in 39 overs for 179. John Airey was the pick of the Willingale bowlers, ending with figures of three wickets for just eight runs after his seven overs.

In reply, Willingale were pegged back after the loss of Corner in the first over, with Silvester dismissing him for a duck.

However, Airey (66 not out) and Hayter (68 not out) set Willingale on course for victory.

Brewer also contributed with 24 runs before being bowled by Grant Smith, playing his final game for Burnham before his upcoming move to South Woodham Ferrers Cricket Club.

“Grant is a legend here at Burnham because of his batting figures, but I never knew he could bowl that well,” said captain Jamie Hamilton after the game.

“Today was more about coming back together as a team, and getting some time out on the pitch together.

“We had some good individual performances, but we need to gel as a unit.”

In their second friendly, on Saturday away at Little Waltham, Burnham secured victory despite an error-strewn fielding display.

They had their bowlers to thank for the victory, as a total of eight chances were missed because of dropped catches.

Tom Silvester in particular impressed, claiming four wickets from seven overs.

Sayeid Ahmed also showed early season promise, taking two wickets.

Little Waltham were bowled out for 113, with Mahmood (49) and Termezi (18 not out) showing the only resistance.

Batting second, Burnham’s top order struggled as they did against Willingale, losing early wickets.

Despite the setbacks, Rob Layzell (23) and Neil Saunders (35) got Sports back on track, before Jack Silvester top scored with 40 for Burnham.

Due to the friendly nature of the fixture, Sports were allowed to play out the full 40 overs once they surpassed Little Waltham’s total, and finished on 177.

“We all know that we face a very difficult task this season, and we needed to make the most of these pre-season friendlies,” said Hamilton after the game.

“Obviously, we can’t afford to drop that many chances, it would be fatal to miss them against some of the best teams in the county.

“It is definitely something we need to look at before the season begins.”

Next Saturday, Sports kick off their T Rippon Mid-Essex Premier League campaign with a trip away to Great Baddow.

The second team entertain Goresbrook thirds in division nine. Matches start at 1pm.

If you are interested in joining Burnham for the upcoming season, please contact Neil Saunders on 01621 784182.