SHEPHERD NEAME ESSEX LEAGUE, DIVISION TWO

BILLERICAY captain Dave Houghton says everyone wants to be the match winner after they consolidated their promotion push with an impressive six-wicket win over Wickford on Saturday.

Houghton’s team remain in second place after the result in which his own knock, an unbeaten 71, was important as they rallied after Wickford got off to a good start.

Jona Sammutt made 74 off 78 balls to put Wickford in the driving seat early on, having been put into bat by Billericay.

But none of the other batsmen could build on slow starts, with two scores of 16 the best Wickford could manage as they closed on 199-8 in 50 overs.

Ross Poulton (3-21) and two wickets apiece for Andy Smith and Philip Reynolds put Billericay in a strong position.

And the hosts only lost four wickets in response, with Paul Martin (36), Chris Tait (43) and Poulton (31 not out) all impressing alongside Houghton, as they reached the target in 41 overs.

“It is a massive result for us against the local rivals,” said Houghton.

“Even though they were 110-2 at drinks we knew we could restrict them with some tight bowling straight after and Ross Poulton and Phil Reynolds were able to squeeze for us in the middle overs and change the momentum of the innings.

“It was nice to get a few runs and even more pleasing to be there at the end. We are trying to instil a culture where everyone wants to be the match winner rather than leave it to someone else.

“With five games to go our fate is in our own hands. Five wins means promotion. The side is fully aware what needs to be done over the next month or so.”

The result leaves Wickford 50 points behind Billericay.

Leigh-on-Sea are two points adrift of Wickford as their struggles continued, albeit in an exciting game.

They were beaten by Harlow Town, who made 287-7 in their innings having elected to bat.

But Leigh fell only 12 runs short, as they ended on 275-9. Joel Barnet (72) and Stuart Elliott (70) appeared to be guiding Leigh to victory only for them to fall short.

Stanford-le-Hope recorded a first win of the season against Belhus to give their survival bid a timely boost.

Some terrific bowling from Matt Higgins (2-23), Dylan Eginton (3-25), Greg Cohen (2-20) and Adam Knight (3-24) saw Belhus reduced to 120 all out in only 34 overs.

And despite a terrible start, Sachin Sewgobind (31 not out) and Matt Page (39) saw Stanford over the line. Stanford sit 48 points from safety after the result.

Horndon-on-the-Hill were beaten by three wickets against a rejuvenated Ardleigh Green.

Jack Walsh made 48 as Horndon were all out for 237.

Ardleigh Green made the target in 44 overs.