BATTING first on an overcast afternoon Belhus 1’s accumulated a competitive fifty over total of 226 for 8.

The backbone of the innings once again came from the remarkably consistent Joe Joyce (49).

Joyce was ably supported by brother Danny (31) and wicketkeeper Michael Fogg (33).

The Orsett batters however could not have been prepared for the tempest that was to follow as Dan Norris produced career best bowling figures of seven wickets for just 30 runs.

This saw Belhus storm to a resounding 89 run victory and lift them to second in the division.

lIN the second string game Belhus drew with Harold Wood 2s.

Harold Wood posted an impressive 273 while Belhus went on to post 245 for the loss of six wickets as time ran out.

Harold Wood were the hosts in this high scoring encounter.

Batting first, the home side took advantage of their familiarity with the pitch conditions and accumulated a very challenging 273 runs.

This was despite the sterling efforts of Belhus off spinner Sheraz Shahid, who claimed four wickets. The Belhus response was 245.

Charlie Lewis anchored the innings with a rock solid effort of 60 runs in his first knock for the club this season. Lewis was supported by veteran strokemaker Richard Day who posted 57 and skipper Mark Sansom (45).

lIN the Belhus third string encounter with Loughton it was Belhus who came out second best.

Belhus were all out for a lacklustre 171, while Loughton fourth string overhauled withthe loss of just two wickets.

Belhus were not able to reproduce the pyrotechnics displayed with the bat last weekend.

Captain Jim Banner won the toss and decided to make first use of the track. The Belhus total of 171 was well below par. Banner top scored with 61. The Loughton response was a resounding 172.

l THERE was a high scoring encounter for the Belhus fourth string, although the match was drawn.

Loughton’s fifth string posted 301-5 and Belhus reached 202-3, ensuring that honours were shared.

Thames Rugby Club was the venue.

The Loughton batsmen put Belhus 4’s to the sword on an artificial wicket well suited to attacking play.

The home side however would not be intimidated and replied with defiant 202 for the loss of only 3 wickets. Belhus stalwart Peter Clark stroked a career best of 102 not out sharing in an unbroken 4th wicket partnership of 150 with Brayden Scarlett. Scarlett finished on 33 not out.