CRICKET: Orsett & Thurrock and Belhus were forced to endure a frustrating opening weekend of the Shepherd Neame Essex League Division One season, with rain the only winner.

Orsett & Thurrock travelled to Buckhurst Hill and played through much of the poor weather.

Having won the toss, the visitors put Buckhurst Hill into bat although they started impressively.

Ryan Karunakaran (68) was the pick of the batsmen as Buckhurst Hill reached 94/3. But four wickets followed with 30 more runs added to leave Orsett & Thurrock hopeful of maximum points.

Agha Tahir took 5-33 in 13 overs before the rain came. The total Orsett & Thurrock had to reach was adjusted but, at 24/2, the umpire called time on the clash.

Belhus had Woodford Wells at 70/3 before rain brought a halt to proceedings - Danny Norris (2-31) among the wickets.

The two teams’ respective third teams faced each other in the Third XI Division Two, with Orsett & Thurrock seven wicket winners.

Put into bat first, Belhus started brightly with openers Michael Cansdale and Richard Waters both scoring 35.

But Stephen Brooks dismissed both en route to a five wicket haul (5-47).

Jack Plane’s unbeaten 44 helped Belhus to 175/8, but that total was no trouble for Orsett.

Harry Dover (59 not out), Lee Kooyman (29 not out), Mason Wren (26) and Greg Mendham (25) did the damage with the bat.

Alan Maidment, Billy Maidment and Keith Dhannie took a wicket each.