Harlow Town 189

Stanford 192-8

STANFORD-le-Hope went joint top of the table after beating previous leaders Harlow Town.

Lee Knight’s team share top spot with Old Southendian & Southchurch, who notched up their sixth consecutive win.

It sets up a key clash this weekend as the leaders meet at Stanford, a match which could have a say in who wins promotion.

Both sides are feeling confident after Stanford beat Harlow Town by two wickets and the Old Boys defeated Oakfield Parkonians.

Harlow elected to bat against Stanford and were bowled out for 189 in 49.3 overs. Ramya Upadhyay (27) fared best early on but late stands from Shaun Alderson (40) and wicketkeeper Scott Alderson (33) boosted Harlow’s innings against an attack led by Ross Poulton (2-13), Greg Barr (2-28) and Dylan Eginton (2-37). Michael Gray (52) anchored the reply, with Sachin Sewgobind (31), Tom Willats (26) and captain Lee Knight (21) helping Stanford to 190-8 in 41 overs. Mohammad Ali took 4-34.

“It was a good win,” said Knight. “We had them in trouble at 20-3 and 40-4 but a couple of their lower middle order chipped in. The outfield was quick so if a batsman found a gap it was difficult.

“We knew if we could see off the new ball and get ourselves in, then we were in with a chance. We lost a couple of wickets early, but a couple of the lads put on a partnership which got us to 100-3. It was a good performance.”