Gidea Park & Romford 152-9

Belhus 154-2

IN their second Essex League match of the season, the Belhus first string cruised to a comfortable victory over Gidea Park & Romford. Belhus’ in-form opening bowler Dan Norris captured 4-40 and Connor Day and Billy Winter snared two wickets apiece as they restricted Gidea Park to 152-9 from 52 overs.

In reply, a splendid opening partnership of 102 between Joe Joyce (60) and Martin Guilbert (57 not out) laid the foundation for Belhus to chase down the runs in just 31 overs for an eight wickets win.

STANFORD-le-Hope were unable to chase down the Belhus third string tally of 212-7. Stanford-le-Hope posted 184.

Belhus had batted first on a humid afternoon at South Ockendon.

Jack Plane stroked his maiden half-century (56 not out ) and Paul Hall (34) steered their side to 212 for 7 and prompted skipper Jim Banner to make a sporting declaration after 42 overs. In response, Stanford-le-Hope made a gallant attempt to chase down the runs with James Humphrys stroking 66.

But they came up just short of their target as Banner the spinner took 4-35 and medium-pacer Alan Maidment returned 3-36.

BELHUS’ fifth string took an unlikely win against Old Southendian & Southchurch.

Belhus had posted just 110, but then managed to restrict Old South to a paltry 57. The best bowler for Belhus was John Forrest with 3-8.