BELHUS stormed to an emphatic nine wickets victory at Oakfield Parkonians in division two of the Shepherd Neame Essex League on Saturday.

Having lost the toss, Belhus went about dismantling the Oakfield batting line-up, with Danny Norris in rampant form as he bagged 5-26 runs from 16 overs, half of which were maidens.

Connor Day and Daniel Dreher also picked up one wicket each as Oakfield closed on 151-8.

After tea opening batsmen Ryan Wells and Joe Joyce plundered runs at a rapid pace putting on 150 for the first wicket until Joyce was caught by Dhruv Patel off the bowling of Abdul Rehman Razzaq for 78.

Joyce struck 14 boundaries in total, while Wells hit 11 fours in his stylish undefeated innings of 61.

The result puts Belhus 20 points clear at the top of the division, ahead of nearest rivals Gidea Park & Romford.

Meanwhile, Belhus crashed out of the National Village cup on Sunday as they lost at home by nine wickets to Rettendon, despite impressive knocks by Danny Joyce (91 not out), Charlie Lewis (61 not out) and captain Ryan Wells (60).

Belhus seconds drew their match with Oakfield seconds, in what was a close encounter.

After bowling their guests out for a modest 188 at North Stifford, Belhus thought they were in with a good chance of reaching the target.

Wayne Read struck 60 runs but the bowling of Ali claimed 5-43 runs from 13 overs which sparked a Belhus collapse.

Both teams came close to winning with the visitors requiring just one more wicket to win while hosts Belhus needed just a further eight runs which would have seen them over the finish line.

On Sunday, Belhus seconds made an extended trip to Long Marston in Hertfordshire where they were comfortably outplayed by their hosts.

The visitors were dismissed for 147 and Long Marston eased past the Belhus score for the loss of just three wickets.

Billy Maidment picked up two of these three wickets while the remaining scalp was claimed by Ryan Prendergast thanks to a good catch by captain Mike Randall.

Belhus thirds crushed Old Southendian & Southchurch by 164 runs, after a terrific bowling performance saw the Old Boys skittle for 71.

Belhus opener Tom Thompson led the way with a superb knock of 80 at Victory Sports Ground, Southend, with the visitors declaring after 36 overs on 235-4

And they made it four wins from four in some style to share the lead in the fourth XI premier division east with Basildon and Pitsea CC, who have an identical playing record.

Belhus fourths were also victorious as they beat Fives & Heronians by three wickets

Jamie Fairweather proved to be a thorn in the side of Fives and Heronians on Saturday as he picked up 4-25 runs from seven overs, including two maidens.

Robert Long and Zak Wilson weighed in with two wickets apiece with Fives out for 150.

After tea Joshua Clarke struck a fine 44 while Wilson's hit 36 but it fell to seasoned campaigner Paul Hall (35 not out) to ensure a home win by three wickets.