Division Two: Billericay shock Harlow to boost survival hopes (From Echo)

Division Two: Billericay shock Harlow to boost survival hopes

3:30pm Monday 17th August 2009 in

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BILLERICAY boosted their chances of survival with a superb shock five run win over third placed Harlow on Saturday.

Billericay hit 204 in their innings before restricting Harlow to 199.

And that thrilled skipper Stewart Rutland.

“This was a huge win for us and it’s given us a real lift,” said Rutland.

“Harlow are a good side and are up towards the top so we’ve done really well to beat them and it’s a great way to go into two massive games against Buckhurst Hill and Horndon.”

Martin Guilbert hit a century for Billericay, while Gary Hynes scored 30 to help their side recover from 69/7 to set what proved to be a winning total. Stuart Hynes and Greg Hammond then took control with the ball as they both claimed four wickets to secure a much needed win for Billericay.

The triumph also saw Billericay close the gap on relegation rivals Leigh on Sea who hung on for a draw against Walthamstow.

Walthamstow’s men made 292-4 in their innings, before Leigh on Sea who hung on for a draw against Walthamstow.

Walthamstow made 292-4 in their innings, before Leigh ended on 253-9.

At the other end of the table, Hadleigh and Thundersley continued their charge for promotion with a three wicket win against Horndon on the Hill.

Horndon struggled early on but, from being 7/4, they eventually made 207.

Hadleigh also faced problems at 63/6 but skipper Adam Fleming with 81 not out and 36 from Adam Soilleux steadied the ship and secured yet another win for their team.

“It was a funny old game and we did make hard work of it,” said Fleming.

“We got there in the end though and obviously Harlow losing was good news for us too.”

Hadleigh are now eight points clear of second placed Shenfield and 51 clear of third placed Harlow with just three games to go.

Old Southendian and Southchurch remain in fourth after a thrilling last ball win over Buckhurst Hill.

Buckhurst Hill made 218/6 and Southendian’s reply went right to the end as they needed seven runs off the last two balls to win.

Jomo Mbili hit a six off the first ball he faced and then scrambled a single off the final delivery to make it eight games unbeaten for Southendian.

Numan Khan (54), Jonathan James (47) and Ben Wathen (39) had earlier made key contributions.

“It was a great game,” said the club’s Simon Harwood.

“We’re in really good form now and want to keep it going for the final three games.”