Harlow Town 4th 200 all out
Belhus 4th 193-7
Electing to bat at Ockendon Recreation Ground, the visitors made a slow start reaching 30 for 1 off 15 overs. Wickets then fell regularly as bowlers Scott Stonham and George Maidment claimed three wickets each. Belhus were clearly in the driving seat when Harlow Town collapsed to 97 for 9 after 36 overs. But then number eleven batsman Wilcox joined his number nine colleague Richardson. Over the next fourteen dramatic overs, these two put on 103 for the final wicket as Wilcox struck an undefeated 65 and Richardson was finally stumped for 42.
In reply, Belhus opener Suhail Shahid was dismissed early from a stunning catch in the slips by Blunt. When his partner Barry Ruck was out at 74 for four, the target looked out of reach. However Stonham and junior Mark Fogg with 40 and 28 respectively, took centre stage to boost the home score to 144. But with only six overs to go survival looked to be the only option. Acting skipper Paul Hall and Maidment had other ideas. Several hefty blows ensued until opening bowler Wilcox returned to the attack to stem the run flow and ended his personal account with 5 for 62 as Belhus ended just eight runs short of the winning post with Hall 28 and Maidment with 19, both undefeated.
Belhus 1st 226-9 dec
Billericay 1st 227-7
Belhus lost to Billericay by three wickets in this Shepherd Neame Essex League division two fixture at the Toby Howe ground on Saturday. Ryan Wells led the way for the visitors with a stylish innings of 76, but Stuart Rutland kept plugging away with the ball for the home side by claiming 4-66 from thirteen overs, two of which were maidens. After tea, the match was taken away from Belhus by a fine undefeated 82 from Houghton, while Southgate contributed 55 runs.
In the club’s remaining Shepherd Neame Essex league matches, the second eleven reciprocal fixture between these two clubs was drawn. Belhus posted 231 all out and Billericay responded with 210 for the loss of eight wickets. The third eleven lost by 44 runs to Harlow Town at Ash Tree Field, with the home side being dismissed for 199 and Belhus likewise for 155.
Sunday 14/7 – Belhus 2nd XI v Willingale CC at Willingale
Willingale 127 all out
Belhus 128 for 5
Belhus won by 5 wickets.
Belhus visited the lovely village of Willingale for this Sunday friendly. The quaint village ground was bathed in sunshine as the home side won the toss and decided to bat. Opener Adam Joy was in an aggressive mood as he raced to 56 as he and partner M Russell added 72 for the first wicket in just six overs. But George Maidment kept calm amidst the carnage and removed Russell going on take the fine figures of 4 for 36 from 7 overs. Cliff Cansdale removed the dangerous Joy and this proved key as the home side innings dwindled to 128 all out. Skipper Mike Randall also grabbed 2 wickets for 10.
Belhus lost opener Stonham early but his partner Jack Day played calmly for an excellent 51 his first half century.
Stuart Willis made 20 not out as Belhus eased home winning by 5 wickets with Jack Plane hitting a huge six to win the game. P Davies was the most successful bowler for the home side taking 2 for 17.
