Old Southendian and Southchurch 1st 294-9
Belhus 1st 194 all out
Five batsmen went beyond the half-century mark as Belhus crashed to a 100-run defeat at Garon Park on Saturday. Old Boys’ opener Max Craddock powered his way to 87 in a third wicket stand of 153 with Aaron Lucas, who scored 76. When Craddock was eventually dismissed with the home score on 187, David Johnson picked up the reins and plundered 82 as Old Southendians completed their 50 over allotment six runs shy of 300. It was hard work for the Belhus bowlers. Liam Wilson picked up 3-65 from ten overs (one maiden) while Connor Day and Gary Sanderson returned 2-36 and 1-15 respectively.
The visitors made a bright start as both openers, Ryan Wells and Danny Joyce, reached 50 but were subsequently trapped leg before with individual scores of 56 and 59. However, only two further Belhus batsmen made double figures, being Martin Guilbert with 13 and Roy Heffernan who offered 24. For the hosts, Sam Hodgson and Michael Bunce returned bowling figures of 3-48 and 3-47. Despite their first reverse of the season, Belhus still lead the Shepherd Neame Essex League division two pack.
Belhus 221-5
Great and Little Warley 192-9
After the previous day’s loss, Belhus were back on song in this social Sunday fixture at North Stifford. Liam Wilson and Matthew Williams shared a 133-run opening partnership with Wilson striking a superb 95 and Williams reaching 51. Wilson also pouched no fewer than four catches in the outfield as his team secured a 29-run win in this very enjoyable encounter.
Belhus 2nd 161 all out
West Essex 2nd 132-4
Heavy rain caused this match to be curtained after 25 overs of the West Essex innings, who achieved a win based on their superior run-rate at North Stifford. Mark Sansom and Wayne Read were the main contributors with 30 and 27 in the face of good bowling from the visitors’ Butt, who picked up 3-16. After tea, Matthew Williams picked up 2-30 while Braydon Scarlett’s spin bowling impressed on second eleven league debut with 1-30.
Horndon on the Hill 3rd 255-4 dec
Belhus 3rd 171-4
This match was finely poised until the heavens opened which caused the match to be abandoned as a draw. On an excellent surface at St. Clere’s School, Hutcherson struck 65 and Collis finished undefeated with 82. But visiting captain Jack Plane matched the latter’s score. Shortly after Plane’s dismissal, play ended on a soggy note with Horndon having sent down 28.2 overs. Belhus continue to lead the Shepherd Neame Essex League fourth eleven premier division. The Belhus fourth eleven match suffered a similar fate at Ockendon recreation ground. Belhus were dismissed for 109 in poor conditions, while Harold Wood fifths escaped on 52-9. Keith Dhannie top scored with 34 while Rob Long picked up 5-11 from 14 overs (five maidens). For Wood, first change bowler Shaun Fryett had an afternoon to remember with 6-21 from eleven overs (one maiden).
