SUNDAY saw a young Horndon side travel away to Bentley Cricket Club; a side currently top of the T-Rippon Premier league; for their National Village Cup group stage semi-final.
In-form Bentley won the toss and elected to bat but struggled early on against Horndon’s new ball attack of Marson and Hubbard, who both bowled with supreme control. Horndon were on top for most of the innings taking regular wickets and helped by some impressive fielding. Bentley’s lower order got their score up to 104 as they were bowled out within 30 overs, left-arm spinner Mosely picking up a tidy four-wicket haul.
After the break Horndon openers Hammond and Walsh got off to a cautious but solid start putting on 25 for the first wicket. Once Bentley broke the opening partnership wickets began to fall at regular intervals as the Horndon side struggled to assert themselves on the home team’s seam attack. The Horndon innings was steadied by a mature knock from Ginsburgh who ended the game on 37 not out.
Horndon will be hoping for a good cup run now after winning this low scoring game by 4 wickets and will be delighted with the result against a strong Bentley side. The win caps of a good weekend for the village side who also picked up 3 wins from 3 games on Saturday in the league.
The National Village Cup Essex Final will be held at Horndon on the Hill on Sunday 16th June where Mistley CC will visit.
