IT was a Saturday to forget for Belhus who came away from a clash with relegation-threatened Wickford with nothing to show for it.

Wickford deserved the plaudits for taking the game to the hosts as Jamie Went removed the first four Belhus batsmen and finished with 4-23 from 12 overs, with David Cole and Daniel Pryke picking up three wickets each.

Though six home batsmen reached double figures, only number seven Danny Norris threatened. It was a high risk strategy of taking the game to the opposition, but at 85 for the loss of eight wickets, there was little to lose.

Norris hit 34 from only 36 balls faced, eventually having to return to the pavilion with a lofted drive which held up in the breeze and was gratefully pouched by Adam Deller – Belhus all out for 122.

Wickford reached 40 without loss but then lost their two wickets before surpassing the half-century. Dale Kinsey was caught by Ryan Wells of Norris (1-32) for 30, while Paul Corps followed soon after for a patient 13, caught by Roy Heffernan off Daniel Dreher (1-16).

There was no further loss as Dean Etchells was undefeated following a majestic innings of 61 from 62 deliveries, which included twelve boundaries.

Despite this setback, Belhus remain top of the Shepherd Neame Essex second division with only two matches left to play.

Belhus seconds saw off Horndon-on-the-Hill seconds, winning by a comfortable 151 runs.

Chris Baker struck a fine 51 and there were further solid contributions from Wayne Read 33, Mark Sansom 24, and Stephen Huckstepp hitting 30.Imran Mohammed cashed in at the end of the innings with some hefty blows to close undefeated on 43, with Belhus closing on 208-7.

After tea, the home innings was fully accounted for after just 24 overs and 57 runs as Jack Martin-Hussey bagged 5-16 runs from seven devastating overs. Mohammed completed a fine all-round performance with 2-23 from nine overs, while Billy Maidment mopped up the Horndon tail with 3-11 from just three overs.

Only Laurence Petts reached double figures for the hosts with 15 runs to add to his earlier impressive bowling performance. He had picked up 4-65 including the vital wicket of Baker, while David Cracknell’s efforts with the ball yielded 2-28 from 16 overs.

Belhus thirds were six wicket winners against Thurrock rivals Stanford-le-Hope as their promotion hopes were kept alive.

Tom Thompson and Russ Blackburn featured in a 116-run partnership for the second wicket, Thompson hitting 59 while Blackburn clubbed his way to a fine 63.

Daniel Trigg was the pick of the home bowlers with 3-13.

Earlier, Andrew Freeman started brightly for Stanford with 29 and Mark Mahoney top scored with 37. But only one other host batsman reached double figures, that being a knock of 25 from Darren Hales.

Yet again Alan Maidment initiated the carnage. Four wickets with just a 26-run expense was another fair return for his workload while there were two wickets apiece for Aidan Mason, Jack Plane and Paul Hall.

Belhus fourths gained promotion to the premier division following a tense and slender victory over Hornchurch.

The visitors won the toss and elected to field, with opening bowler George Maydell cashing in with 4-36 from 12 overs.

With John Moody and Barry Bones picking up two wickets apiece as Belhus were sent packing, it was going to take something special to defend their meagre score. Yet paceman Rob Long and his captain John Wilson delivered by sharing eight wickets between them.

Long made short work of the Hornchurch batsmen by claiming 4-20, hitting the stumps three times with his remaining wicket being provided by a catch from Keith Dhannie.

Wilson finished with 4-21 from nine overs.

Only two Hornchurch batsmen reached double figures, Tony Willison with 14 and Maydell 15 in difficult conditions.

Earlier, Andrew Williams top scored for Belhus with 24 until he became one of John Moody’s victims, number 10 batsman Mike Squires contributed 17 until being trapped leg before.

Both openers also made double figures, being Eathan Morris and Terry Squires with 10 and 16 respectively.

There was better news from the Belhus fifths, who won by 127 runs against Chelmsford sixths.

Jack Thomas scored a maiden century; he has now recorded the highest individual score by a Belhus fifth team player following his 108 at Chelmer Park.

There was also a half century for Jim Robertson, who made 55.