A PROMOTION chasing Stanford-le-Hope won the toss in overcast conditions and elected to field first. Basildon made a very good start to the innings through Ross (49) and Jamie Casson (16) as the visitors put on 40 for the opening partnership.
Once Adam Knight removed Jamie, both himself and the enigmatic Ross Poulton went about making inroads into the Basildon Innings. Adam finished with figures of 4/20 and Ross enjoyed a 5 wicket haul conceding 34 runs.
In reply, Stanford lost in-form Martin Leslie early but his opening partner and close personal friend, Kevin Smith (27), took the attack to the Basildon bowlers. Poulton joined Smith at the crease and continued in a similar vein. Poulton went on to make 53 not out and he was joined by skipper, Lee Knight (18 not out) to guide Stanford to victory.
At this point Stanford had guaranteed promotion to division 2. However, events at Southchurch Park, where Harlow Town played out a draw with Old Southendians confirmed that Stanford-le-Hope Cricket Club are the 2014 season League Champions.
