Local Sport
Derby days get new season underway
THE new Shepherd Neame Essex League cricket season gets underway tomorrow with an abundance of local derbies.
For the first time in many years, there is no local representation in the Premier Division, but newly-relegated Wickford start with a visit to Chalkwell Park to take on Westcliff.
The visitors have Darren Batch replacing former skipper Matt Bate this term and will still have the services of paceman Jahid Ahmed when he is not required for Essex duty.
Westcliff have a new overseas player in the shape of Australian Paul Durbridge and he has already made his mark in warm-up friendly and league cup games.
Newly-promoted Basildon and Pitsea go to Orsett, whose overseas player will be South African all-rounder Phil Landman, while Wayne Reid still skippers the side.
There can be no keener player than Horndon's key man Steve Mendes who, despite having moved to Leicester, will still travel down to play every weekend.
Horndon, with Jason Plom in charge, also have Liam Hubbard back after spending a season with Mid-Essex League Pegasus, while Paul Bennett has made the switch in the opposite direction. Horndon start at Hutton.
In Division Two there is something of a grudge match at the John Burrows Ground when Hadleigh and Thundersley entertain Southend.
Leigh go to Harold Wood, while Old Southendian face a visit to newly-relegated Walthamstow.
Woodside Park hosts the Benfleet v relegated Billericay opener in Division Three with another team that went down, Stanford-le-Hope, entertaining Old Brentwoods.
Fixtures
Division One: Chelmsford v Woodford Wells; Hornchurch v Ilford; Hutton v Horndon; Orsett v Basildon & Pitsea; Westcliff v Wickford. Division Two: Hadleigh & Thundersley v Southend; Harlow v Fives & Heronians; Harold Wood v Leigh; Shenfield v Loughton; Walthamstow v Old Southendian. Division Three: Benfleet v Billericay; Epping v Old Parks; Ongar v Buckhurst Hill; Stanford-le-Hope v Old Brentwoods; Woodford Green v West Essex.
11:33am Friday 9th May 2008
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