IT was a weekend to forget for Belhus as they lost their first match of the season to an inspired Old Southendian & Southchurch.

David Johnson hit a remarkable 82 from just 25 balls, while Max Craddock (87) and captain Aaron Lucas (76) put together a third-wicket stand of 153, as they closed on 294-9 in their 50 overs.

Liam Wilson took 3-65, Connor Day 2-36 and Gary Sanderson 1-15 for Belhus.

Belhus made an impressive start to their reply, with Ryan Wells (56) and Danny Joyce (59) both making half-centuries for the Shepherd Neame Division Two table-toppers.

But after their dismissals there was very little resistance from Belhus, with Roy Heffernan (24) and Martin Guilbert (13) the only others to reach double figures, closing on 194, 100 runs shy of the target.

Michael Bunce (3-47) and Sam Hodgson (3-48) were the pick of the bowlers with Adam Rendall taking 2-30 and Matt Austin 1-34 for the Old Boys at Garon Park.

The result leaves Belhus 23 points clear at the top, as they continue their promotion push.

And it was a mixed weekend for Belhus suffered on an otherwise rain-affected weekend.

After the previous day's loss, Belhus were back on song in a Sunday fixture against Great and Little Warley at North Stifford.

Liam Wilson and Matthew Williams shared a 133-run opening partnership, with Wilson striking a superb 95 and Williams reaching 51 as Belhus closed on 221-5.

Wilson also pouched no fewer than four catches in the outfield as his team secured a 29-run win in this very enjoyable encounter.

The seconds match against West Essex was curtailed after 25 overs of the West Essex innings, who achieved a win based on their superior run-rate at North Stifford.

Mark Sansom and Wayne Read were the main contributors for Belhus with 30 and 27 in the face of good bowling from the visitors' Butt, who picked up 3-16, as they were skittled for 161.

After tea, the match was called to a half with the score on 132-4, Matthew Williams picking up 2-30 while Braydon Scarlett's spin bowling impressed on second eleven league debut with 1-30.

The thirds match against Horndon-on-the-Hill was finely poised until the heavens opened which caused the match to be abandoned as a draw.

On an excellent surface at St. Clere's School, Hutcherson struck 65 and Collis finished undefeated with 82, with visiting captain Jack Plane matching the latter's score, with Horndon scoring 255-4 before declaring.

But shortly after Plane's dismissal, play ended on a soggy note with Horndon having sent down 28.2 overs and Belhus 171-4.

The Belhus fourths suffered a similar fate at Ockendon recreation ground. Belhus were dismissed for 109 in poor conditions, while Harold Wood fifths escaped on 52-9.

Keith Dhannie top scored with 34 while Rob Long picked up 5-11 from 14 overs (five maidens). For Wood, first change bowler Shaun Fryett had an afternoon to remember with 6-21 from eleven overs (one maiden).