Shepherd Neame Essex League, Division One

HADLEIGH & Thundersley produced a stunning performance to secure a shock five wicket win against table-topping Hornchurch on Saturday.

Chasing 232 to win at their John Burrows Ground base, Hadleigh made it home for the loss of five wickets.

And bowler David Williams was thrilled by the unexpected victory which moved Hadleigh 21 points clear of the drop zone.

“This really was a great win and shows the calibre of performance we are capable of producing,” said Williams.

“Our fielding was so much better than in previous weeks and it really does make such a difference, especially against the stronger sides in this division.

“Also I don’t think I’ve ever seen an outfielder take five catches before, I think the ball had a magnet to our skipper’s hands!

“We said a couple of weeks ago that we’d probably need to beat one of the top four teams between now and the end of the season.

“But now we need to use this as a stepping stone to pull away from the bottom two.”

Hornchurch batted first after losing the toss and were bowled out for 231.

Williams led the way with 3-37 while Richard Straker took 2-38.

In reply, skipper Adam Soilleux top-scored with 92 not out to see his side home, while Kellon Carmichael hit a vital 54 to help eighth-placed Hadleigh secure their best result of the season.

However, at the top of the table, second-placed Southend were seen off by 25 runs against Harlow at Southchurch Park, much to the disappointment of skipper Joe Robbins.

“It was extremely disappointing and by far our worst performance of the season,” said Robbins.

“We felt 245 was a target we could chase but we lost wickets at regular intervals which cost us dearly.

“However, we’ve got to forget about it and move forward to this week at Hainault.”

Harlow were put into bat after losing the toss and scored 246-6.

Daniel Ingham was the most prolific of Southend’s bowlers, taking 3-58.

But Southend were unable to reach the required total, despite Phil Gray hitting 64, Robbins 55 and Oliver Wagstaff 37.

Southend are now just four points ahead of third placed Shenfield.