Horndon second string claim Division 3 title (From Thurrock Gazette)

Lewis Crooks wins the toss

1:00pm Thursday 6th September 2012 in Sport

CRICKET: HORNDON’S second string secured the Shepherd Neame Essex League Division Three title at the weekend with victory over Woodford Green. Skipper Lewis Crooks won the toss and sent The Green in to bat. Both opening bowlers, Mark Wills (3-39) and Bradley Mason (3-39) took early wickets to reduce Woodford Green to 44-4. However The Green recovered to reach 170-9 from their 52 overs with further wickets from Lawrence Petts (2-34) and Lewis Crooks (1-37).

In reply Horndon got off to a nervous start. Woodford Green captured the prized wicket of Dave Stitson from only the second ball of the innings. The wickets of Cliff Jeyes and James Stitson fell soon after. However, a superb partnership between opener Connor Hammond and Lawrence Petts took Horndon to the brink of victory before Petts was dismissed two short of his 50. Connor Hammond (73 not out) and Bradley Mason (21 not out) saw Horndon to a five wicket victory and a return to the SNEL Division Two after only one season in Division Three.