DIVISION ONE

Table-topping Hadleigh & Thundersley face a crunch clash at home to third placed Harlow this weekend.

Hadleigh are currently 21 points clear of their opponents.

And in-form batsman Sam Handley is keen to stretch that gap with another win.

“It’s a massive game tomorrow and we all know that as a team,” said Handley.

“Harlow are a good side, one of the better sides in this league and probably one of our biggest competitors for promotion.

“But, in the form we are in as a team, I expect a win, although it will be a very tight game.

“However, all the boys are very excited for another chance to keep the unbeaten streak going.”

Hadleigh have started the season by going seven games unbeaten.

And Handley is thrilled to see the team sitting top of the table.

“It’s been a great start for us this season,” said Handley.

“We are on track to achieve the goals we set at the start of the season as a team but in order to do this we have to keep winning games.”

That quest will continue tomorrow.

But Handley believes Hadleigh could not be heading into the clash in better shape.

“We are a team with a massive level of confidence at the moment going into every game,” said Handley.

“Promotion is very much the plan after this start to the season, however, the key is that we need to keep our discipline and keep winning games.”

Handley is also keen to help make that happen after enjoying a fine start to the season himself.

Last time out, the 21-year-old scored 97 runs and took 1-39 from 10 overs to help Hadleigh beat Belhus by 22 runs.

Handley will now be seeking more of the same this weekend and has been pleased by his form.

“It’s great to be able to help and contribute to the team’s wins so far,” said Handley.

“I feel in a great place with my overall game at the moment.

“It’s nice to see the hard work I’ve put in over the winter and pre-season with the MCCU is paying off.”

Elsewhere in Division One tomorrow, fifth placed Billericay host Woodford Wells, who are immediately above them in the table.

Orsett & Thurrock - who sit seventh in the Division One standings - are away at Buckhurst Hill, who are currently eighth.

Sixth placed Belhus are also in action away from home as they travel to second from bottom South Woodford looking for another win.