DIVISION ONE: Hadleigh & Thundersley’s Sam Handley believes tomorrow’s top of the table clash with Billericay will be ‘massive’ in deciding his side’s destiny this season.

Table-topping Hadleigh go into the game 11 points clear of second placed Billericay.

But Handley is keen for the gap to grow this weekend.

“It’s a massive game in our season and it’s made even more crucial by the loss last weekend,” said Handley.

“Billericay are a good side with some very talented cricketers but the boys are really excited at the chance to make up for last week and for the chance for a win that would really help our title claim.”

Billericay were promoted from Division Two last term and are now enjoying another fine season.

And Handley is therefore expecting a tight tussle tomorrow.

“I’m expecting a tight game,” said Handley.

“We are missing a few players for this weekend but it’s a chance for other players to stake a claim to try and secure a place in the team for upcoming games.

“It’s a massive game in the title race so a win for us would give us a great chance of being able to hold on to the top spot in the league.”

But, despite their fine season, Hadleigh will also be looking to get back on track this weekend after suffering just their second defeat of the campaign last time out.

Hadleigh were beaten by 36 runs against Buckhurst Hill and Handley is now keen to see a strong reaction.

“Everyone was gutted on Saturday after the loss in a game that we should have won,” said Handley.

“However the boys understand that we need to bounce back and attack this game positively if we want to win so that’s what we will be looking to do.”

Hadleigh would also have been lifted by their midweek annual international day which saw a whole host of former internationals lining up for Lashings at John Burrows Park.

Hadleigh were unable to inflict a rare defeat on Lashings but Handley thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.

“The Lashings day is a great occasion every year and a day I’ve been coming to since I was a child,” said Handley.

“It’s actually one of the reasons I came to play for Hadleigh a couple of years ago.

“It was a chance for the lads to play against some high quality opposition and it was a real test.

“I’m sure it has certainly helped some of the boys get into some good form and we want to translate that into Saturday’s game with Billericay now.”