Horndon 221

Leigh 90

HORNDON-ON-THE-HILL won their first game of the season in resounding fashion, beating on-a-roll Leigh-on-Sea by 132 runs.

Leigh came into the match in imperious form, having won four on the trot.

But they failed to hit the heights against a rejuvenated Horndon team, who impressed with both the bat and the ball in this intriguing encounter.

The rain held off for the home side to reach 222 in 49 overs, which was an excellent score for a side that has struggled to produce consistent performances at the crease.

However, Leigh have overturned some big scores in previous weeks and captain Dean Waller had said he was confident of surpassing high first innings scores.

This proved not to be the case on Saturday though as he watched his side capitulate, making only 90 runs in 26 overs before losing the match – Stuart Elliott the only man to make it into double figures (25).

Waller, who had scored back-to-back centuries in the previous two weeks, said his team never showed up and deserved to lose.

“They were better in every department,” admitted Waller.

“We didn’t bat at all well which is baffling as we have been excellent in the past four weeks. I am not going to condemn the boys though as four in five is excellent form and we have to show this was a one-off with a win against Orsett next weekend.”

Horndon take a maximum 25 points from their victory and the win pushes them closer to the chasing pack, although the closest sides above them (Gidea Park & Romford and Fives & Heronians) also won this weekend.

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