West Essex 168

Belhus 170-3

AFTER a couple of stoppages for rain, West Essex were only able to reach a total of 168 thanks largely to Zia Anwar who struck a sensible 37.

The team had to contend with Belhus’ Connor Day and Mat Lewis junior who were on form and took three wickets apiece.

In reply, Belhus easily knocked off the runs as Lewis Jnr enjoyed a satisfying afternoon – smashing 51 not out – and Joe Joyce stroked 48 to steer Belhus home to a comfortable seven wickets victory.

The Belhus fourth string eased to an eight wicket victory in their clash with Upminster.

Upminster posted 116, but this was overhauled with the loss of two wickets by an on-form Belhus outfit.

Earlier on at Ockendon Recreation Ground Upminster had looked in control early on.

They were firmly in the driving seat at 102 for two but then Sheraz Shahid and Jack Plane entered the attack and bowled superbly to cause a dramatic collapse of eight wickets for 14 runs.

Super- spinner Shahid took four wickets for just two runs and Plane captured four for 30. In reply, Belhus eased to an impressive eight wickets win as Greg Mendham stroked a stylish 63 not out.