HORNCHURCH 288-8

BELHUS 150-7

CRICKET: THIS top of the table clash was played out on a damp afternoon at Harrow Lodge Park.

The Thurrock-based team lost by 38 runs.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first Hornchurch’s Jamie Sorrell (69) and Chris Sains (63) were the chief architects of a well-constructed first innings total of 288 for 8.

The wily leg spin of Belhus’ Daniel Dreher provided enough problems for the home side to earn him four wickets for 61 runs in his ten over spell.

Hornchurch were given significant assistance in the form of an astonishing 46 wides that were sent down by the Belhus attack.

The Belhus run chase was affected by rain and a revised target of 185 from 26 overs saw them needing to crack on at 7.1 runs per over.

Skipper Danny Joyce opened the innings and found his stride with a battling innings of 60.

There was inadequate support however from his middle order batsmen and the final total of 150 gave Hornchurch a comfortable win. Daniel Dreher completed a fine all-round performance with 29 not out.

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