HADLEIGH & Thundersley started the Division One season with an entertaining tie against Buckhurst Hill.

Buckhurst Hill batted first after losing the toss and made 225/9.

Jamie Allen led the way with 82 not out while opening batsman Hendro Puchert made 53.

With the ball, Oliver Smith caught the eye for Hadleigh as he took 4-25.

Sam Handley took 2-81, Adam Dobson 1-51, Richard Revell - in his first game as captain - 1-34 and Adam Soilleux 1-25.

In reply, Smith was dismissed for just six before Paul Tibbenham and Kevin Renecke steadied the ship.

Tibbenham was out for 29 before Renecke was dismissed for 42 and Max Holmes five.

But Soilleux, free from the responsibilities of skippering the side, scored a superb 79 during a fine innings which included nine fours and three sixes.

Jack Wagstaff added 15, Austin Holmes 23 and Ashley Bennett seven not out as Hadleigh also ended their innings on 225/7, with Holmes being run out when attempting to secure victory.

Yet Hadleigh skipper Revell was happy with the performance.

“It was a solid opening game for us against a strong opposition,” said Revell.

“The middle order hit some big shots and we ended up requiring two off the last ball, unfortunately we only managed to get one and the match was drawn.

“I feel we were the better team on the day and had a couple of decisions gone our way we would have got the win.

“But there are plenty of positives to take into our next fixture at home against Billericay this Saturday.”

Billericay started their season with a draw at home to Orsett & Thurrock.

Billericay opted to field after winning the toss and Orsett made 262/5 from their 50 overs.

Orsett started well and did not lose their first wicket until 121 runs had been scored.

Umaad Sultan was eventually dismissed for 51 and Umar Ayub 62 before Mark Pavit added 41.

Nawz Ahmad Jan ended 52 not out while David Houghton was the pick of Billericay’s bowlers as he took three wickets for 61 runs.

Gary Hynes took 1-17 and Ross Poulton 1-76 before the home-side made a slow start to their innings.

Opener David Hinnigan was dismissed for just one, Nick Van Lint 11, Houghton 22, Lee Knight 17 and Mark Harmer 0 as Billericay were reduced to 85/5 before Ross Poulton and Andy Smith took centre stage.

Poulton was left unbeaten on 57 and Smith 56 as Billericay finished on 177/5 to ensure the game ended in a draw.