SHEPHERD NEAME ESSEX LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE

SOUTHEND & EMT were beaten by 36 runs in their top-of-the-table clash with Hornchurch.

League leaders Hornchurch came out on top in a high-scoring encounter at Southchurch Park as second-placed Southend sunk to a third successive defeat.

But skipper Joe Robbins was buoyed by the performance. “It was a really good game but Hornchurch are such a strong side and 368 was realistically always going to be too many for us to get,” said Robbins.

“But I’m really pleased with the effort shown with the bat and to get 332 showed a lot of character.

“We’re still second in the second table after nine games and I would have bitten your hand off for that.

“However, it’s up to us now to try and pick up a win this week to gather some more momentum going into the second half of the season, where it’s all to play for.”

Hornchurch decided to bat first after winning the toss and made a fine 368-6 in their 50 overs with Paul Walter and Roy Smith both scoring centuries.

Daniel Ingham was the pick of Southend’s bowlers, taking 3-61 before the Seasiders replied by scoring 332-8 in their innings.

Robbins top-scored with 81 while Phil Gray hit 72, Oliver Wagstaff 49 and Ingham 35 but Southend were unable to reach the required target and picked up just six points for their troubles.

However, it was a far more successful afternoon for Hadleigh & Thundersley as they saw off Harlow by 78 runs.

Opener Paul Tibbenham hit a decisive 113 and he was thrilled to help Hadleigh triumph.

“It was a good day for me personally and, even more importantly, the team as well,” said Tibbenham “The ball swung a bit for the first couple of overs but after that I felt good and cashed in on what was a really good pitch.

“But it was a great to get the win because we’re a young side and we’ve had an indifferent start to the season, so this will be great for our confidence and hopefully we can build on this now.”

Hadleigh batted first after winning the toss and scored 332-5 with Tibbenham top-scoring with 113.

Captain Adam Soilleux added 73, Matt Lewis 34 not out and Austin Holmes 32 before Harlow were bowled out for 254.

Kellon Carmichael, Adam Dobson and Richard Straker all took two wickets each as Hadleigh moved up to seventh in the table.