DUNMOW’S first team cricketers gained local bragging rights with a victory at the weekend – and with it safety in division two of the Two Counties Cricket Championship.

Nick Down’s men overcame rivals Braintree Town and claimed a vital seven-wicket victory to net 19 points, helping to secure their place in the same league next year.

It was the last home game of the season for the Dunmow lads and they got off to a good start bowling first.

Young seamer Josh Down (4-32) did the bulk of the damage and got stuck in early removing the talented James Baker early on.

Braintree danger-man Simon Jones was in next at three but failed to pick up a big score after James Reid clean bowled him for just 12.

The visitors continued to struggle for score runs throughout the innings thanks to tight bowling from Paul Reid which created wicket taking opportunities for others.

At 70 for five Dunmow were right on top, but a partnership between Jamie Foyster and Rob Jones took the score past 100.

However, with a much bigger score needed to be competitive, big shots had to come. This played straight into hands of Dunmow’s bowlers as Josh Down picked up a couple of late wickets.

Some late lower order blows boosted the Braintree total to a below par 155 for nine from 45 overs.

Dunmow’s strong batting order were confident of chasing the total down and got off to a decent start with Chris Barker (17) and wicketkeeper Oli Rooney (15) putting on 30 for the first wicket.

After three men fell in quick succession however it was time to steady the ship with Dunmow teetering on 52 for three.

Sensible batting from Luke Swanston (45 not out) and Paul Reid (52 not out) saw the home side to victory with eight overs to spare securing a comfortable seven wicket victory.

To conclude the 2010 season Dunmow will be playing away at Elmstead Grasshoppers this Saturday.