SHEPHERD NEAME ESSEX LEAGUE, DIVISION THREE

BILLERICAY inflicted more misery on Stanford le Hope as they open a 16-point gap on the chasing pack in the race for promotion following a 10-wicket win.

Fives & Heronians’ three-wicket win over Horndon on the Hill kept them on top but Billericay are only nine points behind in second place.

Ross Poulton claimed 5-22, Philip Reynolds 2-26 and Adam Marchant 2-15 to help bowl Stanford out for 117, with Sanchin Sewgobind (32) offering most resistance.

Opening batsmen David Hinnigan (59no) and Paul Martin (51no) were both unbeaten as they knocked off the runs to post 118-0 in 21.4 overs and leave their visitors rooted to the bottom of the table.

Leigh on Sea are fourth in the table following their 44-run win over Wickford at Chalkwell Park.

Harry Slack top-scored with 91 for Leigh and Jon Edwards hit 64 in their 267 all out innings.

Daniel Pryke took 4-38 and J Sloane 3-61 for the visitors before Wickford replied with 223 all out from 41.1 overs.

Jonathon Summul (51) and Gareth Wright (48) led the run chase, with Patrick Groves (3-22), Alex Camp (3-52), Billy King (2-37) and Daniel Cocking (2-44) getting among the wickets.

Tom Stone hit 62 runs for Horndon as part of a middle order stand but they were bowled out for 219 by Fives, for whom Greg Summers took 4-39.

Connor Price (2-39) and Jeff West (2-54) took a brace of wickets but Kamindu Kanishka (75) and Gary Norris (70) guided Fives to a winning 222-7.