A much-improved Stanford le Hope team finished just eight runs short of their winning target set by Belhus in the latest round of under 16 indoor cricket fixtures at Grays School. Charlie Gleisenger and Jack Carter scored 22 and 25 respectively as they laid the foundations for a possible Stanford victory, but they saw their efforts falter to some excellent bowling from Sam Hall, 2-12, and Ellis Stevens, 2-7.
This tight bowling towards the end of the Stanford innings proved crucial as Stanford were dismissed for 79 in the final over, chasing the Belhus total of 83, also all out. Top scorers in the Belhus innings were Jack Panteli with 26 and Jake Wolfe with 21, while David Clayton was the pick of the Stanford bowlers with two wickets for just six runs.
Meanwhile, Horndon on the Hill remain undefeated following their latest victory, this time over Thurrock CC. Horndon reached 119 when they lost their last batsman in the final over, being Tom Stone, with a fine 62. He received valuable support from Tyler Moore with 13 and Arthur Valentine, who scored 12 runs.
Cain Bundock of Thurrock took four wickets in the match at a cost of 38 runs. In the Thurrock reply, Horndon’s sharp fielding contributed to two run out dismissals, while all Horndon bowlers picked up at least one wicket, the most profitable being Owen Jones, who finished with 2-19. This week, Horndon can clinch the title if they defeat Stanford le Hope, should Horndon lose, both Belhus and Orsett – who play each other – have a mathematical chance of claiming the honours.
