Stanford-le-Hope II 231-7 (50 overs)
Ardleigh Green 181 all out
SLH (25 points) beat Ardleigh Green (5 points) by 50 runs
STANFORD-le-hope’s second string started off their season with a solid win at home to Ardleigh Green in their quest for promotion at the first attempt, following relegation to Division 3 last season.
After being asked to bat by the Ardleigh Green captain, Stanford’s openers went about getting the team off to a good start ,which they duly did by putting on 99 for the first wicket. Alex Ellis (29) and a splendid innings from Jordan Dodd (92) who laid the foundations for their innings. Further contributions from Mathew Church (17), Chris Sharp (17no) and some lusty blows from Jono Edwards (24) helped Stanford post a respectable total of 231-7 to defend.
In reply Ardleigh Green got off to a good start before Neil Fuller (2-23) struck to remove both openers. However Paul Nicholls (63) and Simon Jeffries (29) went about pulling off a successful run chase until Kevin Smith (4-53) and Chris Sharp (3-51) were brought into the attack to remove the pair before a middle order collapse put paid to the win and Green eventually went down 50 runs short.
Stanford travel to Benfleet next Saturday hoping to carry on their early good form
