BILLERICAY skipper Stewart Rutland says momentum is the key if his side are to push for promotion this season.

Billericay have struggled to string together a decent run of results in recent weeks, winning only once in the past month, having started the season impressively.

This weekend Billericay host Hornchurch, who have been setting the league alight with a series of impressive performances. They currently sit at the top of the league having impressed with bat and ball this season.

Billericay looked in a good position to stop the rot last weekend against Belhus after Rutland’s side bowled out the opposition for 133, but watched his side capitulate to 100 all out.

Rutland says his side will learn from that experience and are more than capable of handling Hornchurch.

“Poor batting has been the hallmark of our season unfortunately and that is something we must address. When you bowl out a team for only 133 you need to push on and win the game and we couldn’t do that.

“Saying that, we have Paul Southgate back and Gary Hynes returning to the bowling attack, which will make us stronger.

Rutland said he was cursing the weather, which has affected three of their matches this season.

“We could have lost 75 points to the rain this season which is massive. I just hope we avoid that this weekend.”

Elsewhere in division two Leigh host Orsett as they look to recover from their first defeat in five weeks last time out.

Dean Waller’s team had been in fine nick as they travelled to winless Horndon on the Hill but the Thurrock side turned the formed guide on its head to record an impressive victory.

Alex Camp has been impressing with the ball recently, with eight wickets in his last two appearances, and Waller will be hoping for a repeat performance tomorrow.

Orsett lost last weekend but currently sit third in the division. However, Waller knows his side could occupy a promotion spot if they win this weekend and Belhus slip up.

Westcliff aren’t playing this weekend and Horndon will be looking to distance themselves from the bottom of the table side when they travel to West Essex.

Horndon skipper Jeff West top scored last week with 40 but will face a stern test against a side who have won three of their past four games.