LUKE Smith’s half-century helped Hadleigh & Thundersley move back to the top of the Division One table with a three wicket win against Harlow.

Smith struck a fine 54 to enable Hadleigh to secure another vital victory.

And results elsewhere only added to his delight.

“We couldn’t believe it when we saw the results come in but it just shows what a challenging division it is and that anyone really can beat anyone,” said Smith.

“From our point of view, it was very pleasing to get the win.

“We certainly felt confident going into the game and we were looking to apply the pressure back on the top two.

“All the lads did really well to hold their nerve and get the result when it mattered on what proved to be a very challenging deck.”

Harlow batted first and were bowled out for 187.

Hadleigh skipper Richard Revell led the way with 4-53, while Adam Dobsons took 2-39 and Sam Handley 2-26.

In reply, Hadleigh made it home for the loss of seven wickets, with Smith top scoring with 54.

Handley added a crucial 47 and Smith is now hoping Hadleigh can seal promotion when they host sixth placed Woodford Wells on the final day of the season this weekend.

“We are very confident going into Saturday’s game but we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves just yet,” said Smith.

“We need to put the hard work in still and make sure that we do the basics when we cross that line.

“We have to make sure that we leave everything out there on that pitch and don’t have any regrets walking off of it regardless of the result.”

But whatever happens, Hadleigh will have enjoyed a vastly superior season to last year when they only just avoided relegation on the final day.

“We always knew that with this division always being tight that if we worked hard over the winter that our young side would really be able to step our game up and make the improvements needed to push for the top spots in the league,” said Smith.

“What’s happened is a testament to all the boys and Richie Revs, our skipper, who has done a good job leading the lads in his first season in charge.”

Hadleigh head into Saturday’s clash a point clear of Orsett & Thurrock and five points clear of third placed Billericay, who drew with Woodford Wells at the weekend.

Billericay complete their campaign at home to eighth placed Gidea Park & Romford, while Orsett host Harold Wood.