CRICKET: HORNDON came close to recording their first win of the season at Fives.

Horndon elected to bowl first and promotion favourites Fives batted strongly to post 263-8. Jack Poulter top scoring with 46.

Horndon got off to the worst start possible in the reply, losing both openers without scoring and falling further behind to 23-4. The re-building began when Horndon skipper Jeff West Jnr came in at number 5.

West racked up a hugely impressive 121, backed up by the middle order of Martin Sayers (19), N Rasheed (23) and M Meraj (25).

Unfortunately for Horndon, West’s innings came to an end with an over left and only three runs needed to win.

It was an almighty fight back by Horndon but an unfortunate conclusion.