BILLERICAY suffered a 112 run defeat against Shenfield after being bowled out for just 65.

Billericay had been hopeful of continuing their recent run of good results.

But skipper Lee Knight was frustrated by the below par performance against a Shenfield side fighting to avoid relegation.

“I’m very disappointed with the result and we didn’t play particularly well either,” said Knight.

“Our bowling and fielding wasn’t up to the usual standards and although we bowled well in small periods I think to bowl Shenfield out for 177 flattered us a little bit.

“When chasing smaller scores, you need to get off to a half decent start as early wickets will only encourage the opposition but, sadly, we were 20/4 and up against it from there.

“We had been in decent form prior to Saturday so I think it’s best we draw a line under it and focus on this week.”

Shenfield - who sit second from bottom in the Premier Division table - batted first and were bowled out for 177.

Robert Raynor did most of the damage with the ball for Billericay as he took four wickets for 31 runs.

Ross Poulton also impressed as he took 2-8 from just 4.2 overs, while David Houghton took two wickets for 37 runs.

Adam Marchant and Andy Smith took the other two wickets to fall but Billericay found it tough going with the bat.

However, in reply, Billericay were bowled out for just 65.

Ross Poulton top scored with 19, while Aaron Curtis was the second highest scorer with 12.

Billericay remain seventh.