WICKFORD rediscovered their best form to beat the Gilbraltar national side in a fine Twenty20 clash at their Patmore Memorial Sports Ground on Sunday.

Wickford have struggled in the league so far this season and are currently second from bottom in Division One of the Shepherd Neame Essex League standings.

But they produced a fine performance to beat Gilbraltar by nine wickets.

And skipper Andy Baker is now hoping his side can continue to impress on a more consistent basis.

“It was a great day of cricket and it’s not every day you can say you beat an international side so we’re really pleased with how we played,” said Baker.

“We bowled well, fielded well and batted well too, so it was an excellent all round performance.

“Now we need to repeat that in the league and play like this more consistently.”

Gilbraltar took on Wickford as a warm up match for their Europe Division Two T20 World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

They batted first and scored 146/6, a target Wickford were able to breeze past for the loss of just one wicket.

Tinotenda Mawoyo top scored with 86 while former Essex batsman Darren Robinson made 58.

And that also delighted Baker.

“Tino hasn’t really scored many runs yet so that will do him the world of good,” said Baker.

“Both him and Darren struggled for runs the day before when we lost to Hainault & Clayhall but they were brilliant against Gilbraltar.

“They weren’t a bad side either so it was a good game and it was excellent to come out on top.

“They started well and their opener was excellent, but thankfully we were able to claw them back a bit and get the win we wanted and probably needed right now as well.”

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OLD Southendian & Southchurch skipper Aaron Lucas admitted it was a “bit surreal” after his team defeated Norway in a T20 friendly.

More than 200 people watched the action at Southchurch Park as the Old Boys won by four runs.

Old Southendian posted 138 on their home ground before restricting the Scandinavians to 134 in reply.

“It was a bit surreal really,” said Lucas. “I just wanted to make a game of it and it was a weird feeling to beat a team ranked 31st in the world.

“I expected them to be stronger than they were and after the game their coach made them come out and train for another two hours.

“It was a fantastic result because we are a team in Division Three of the Shepheard Neame, but it was a great day for the club and everyone really enjoyed it.”

Rob Johnston and Gary Threadgold made a good start for Southendian and Australian player Michael Hill added 40.

Lucas did not think the 138 total was going to be enough and Norway were on target at 80 off 10 overs.

They needed 10 runs off the last over but ultimately fell four runs short.

The Old Boys captain said he thought the Norwegians were probably about the standard of a Shepheard Neame Division One side and added that the match had kept his side ticking over ahead of their league clash against Basildon & Pitsea on Saturday.