SAM Handley hit a fine century but was still left feeling disappointed as Hadleigh & Thundersley had to settle for a draw against Harold Wood.

Handley scored an impressive 101 in the Division One tussle.

But it was not enough to hand Hadleigh their first win of the season.

“I think a draw flattered Harold Wood a bit as I think we deserved to win the game,” said Handley.

“We performed very well in all areas but to be fair to the Harold Wood lower order they were resilient in stopping us from claiming the win.

“But it was still a little bit disappointing not to get the victory.

“For myself personally, it’s obviously always lovely to score a hundred.

“I’ve been working hard and been playing well this season for Cambridge MCCU so it’s lovely to take some of that form into my club cricket.

“However, it would have been even better if we had won.”

Hadleigh batted first after losing the toss and made 277/7 in their 50 overs.

Kevin Renecke also caught the eye, scoring 71 before Harold Wood ended their innings on 225/8.

Anthony Grosvenor was the pick of Hadleigh’s bowlers, taking 5-77 while Handley also chipped in with 2-51.

But Handley felt Hadleigh could have done more when on top.

“It’s one of those games where you just have to take advantage when you’re on top,” said the 21-year-old.

“We got off to a bad start losing two quick wickets but the partnership I had with Kevin, our South African overseas player, and some great lower order hitting helped claw the game back in our favour.

“Harold Wood came out with intent in their reply but some tight bowling by Ant Grosvenor and me helped take the Harold Wood win out of the equation.”

The draw saw Hadleigh seventh in the Division One standings after the opening three games of the season.

But Handley is still confident of securing success this season.

“I think our aim as a side has to be promotion this year,” said Handley.

“I think we are a stronger side than last year and I do not see many sides in this division with the strength in depth we have.

“Hopefully we can start grinding out results and start moving up to near the top of the table.”

Also in Division One, Billericay suffered a two wicket defeat at home to South Woodford.

Billericay were put into bat after losing the toss at their Blunts Wall Road base and were bowled out for 184.

Essex’s Paul Walter top scored with 83 while skipper Lee Knight added 45.

Number 10 batsman Adam Marchant hit 24 but no other Billericay player was able to score more than 13 runs.

In reply, Billericay’s Ross Poulton took 3-55 with the ball while Walter took 2-39 and Marchant 2-50.

But South Woodford reached the required total for the loss of eight wickets.

Elsewhere, Orsett & Thurrock were beaten by 14 runs against Woodford Wells.

Woodford made 221/8 in their innings before Orsett were dismissed for 207, while there was also disappointment for Belhus who were beaten by 10 wickets against Harlow.

This weekend sees Hadleigh travelling to South Woodford and Billericay heading to Buckhurst Hill. Belhus host Woodford and Orsett are at home to Gidea Park.