BILLERICAY skipper Lee Knight felt Wanstead & Snaresbrook showed exactly why they are regarded as one of the best teams in the country in Saturday’s Premier Division clash.

Wanstead beat Billericay by 148 runs.

And Knight was full of praise for the hosts.

“They showed just why they are one of the best teams in the country,” said Knight.

“I thought we were a little bit unlucky early on when we were bowling but Wanstead are very strong.

“They bat all the way down and 298 was a really decent score.

“With the bat I think we looked a little bit rusty but we will learn from this and move on.

“We have Chelmsford this weekend, which will be another very tough game but they all are in this league.

“But we’ve worked hard to get here and we will continue to enjoy the experience.”

Wanstead batted first after winning the toss and scored 298/7 in their innings.

Former Essex batsman Kishen Velani led the way with 106, while opening batsmen Arfan Akram (36) and Hassan Chowdhury (61) also made key contributions to put the home side on top.

Ross Poulton was the pick of Billericay’s bowlers as he took three wickets for 59, while Darren Ironside took 2-111.

In reply, Billericay were bowled out for 150.

Andy Smith - who was batting at number eight - top scored with 55 not out from 54 balls.

Opening batsman Aaron Curtis scored 30, while Rob Lee was the third highest scorer with 15.

Billericay now sit seventh in the 10 team table.