Stanford-Le-Hope Cricket Club

The Recreation Ground, Grove Road, Stanford-le-Hope, Thurrock, Essex, SS17 0ED; Clubhouse 01375 676000

SLHCC 1st XI get back to winning ways with a 20 point victory over Benfleet with Aussie Harry Maher grabbing 7-36 *** The 2nd XI just miss out on another 20 point victory after drawing with Old Brentwoods with Ian Sanderson striking 46 with the bat and claiming 4-33 with the ball *** The 3rd XI keep their promotion hopes going with a 8 wicket victory over Fives & Heronians with captain Geoff Lake hitting an unbeaten 67 *** A golden display with the bat saw Clive Ballard hit his first century for Stanford Le Hope with the 4th XI. Ballard ended up retiring Not Out on 130 but the mamouth knock was not enough victory over Hornchurch *** The Sunday XI win again this time over close rivals Thurrock with Robert Page hitting a half century **** DONT FORGET *** Super Sixes is this Sunday so make sure you come along for music, beer, BBQ and of course Cricket!!

Stanford le Hope Match Reports – 18^th August 2007

1^st XI at Fives & Heronians

Stanford 1^st   85ao  (37 overs)             Fives & Heronians  86 – 1 (23.5 overs)

Tom Clarke 5-32                                            G.Jackson 41, G.Edwards 40no

It was another dismal day for Stanford as they travelled to play Fives & Heronians. The 9 wicket defeat confirms their relegation from Division 2. Having been inserted, the collapse began early as Tom Clarke (5-32) worked his way through the order. There was some resistance, Greg Barr and Duncan Page hung around for ages to crawl their way to double figures. No9 Kevin Smith (27) showed some aggression, but the familiar story was that Stanford failed to post a decent score.

The run chase was more of a procession. Openers Jackson (41) and Edwards (40no) added 77 for the first wicket. Smith then struck for the visitor’s sole success before an early return to Stanford to lick their wounds.

Stanford 1^st  0 points                                              Fives & Heronians  18 points

2^nd XI  at home to Hutton

Stanford 2^nd  125ao  (42.2 overs)             Hutton 2^nd  129 – 2  (18 overs)

Dave Cochrane  8 – 49                                John Bichard 40, Chris Blake 36

Stanford’s second string were unable to keep out the bowling of Dave Cochrane. The Hutton opener bowled unchanged for 21.3 overs to pick up a magnificent 8-49. Neil Fuller (25) and Harry Cook (20) battled bravely against the odds, but the class of Cochrane eventually told as Stanford subsided to 125 all out.

The run chase reflected the 1^st team procession somewhat. The opening pair, Bichard (40) and Blake (36) added 77 for the first wicket and effectively ended the match as a contest. Andy Powley picked up a couple of late consolation wickets, but Hutton’s 8 wicket win was comprehensive. Stanford 2^nd are all but mathematically certain to accompany the firsts in the journey back to Division 3.

Stanford 2^nd   2  points                                 Hutton 2^nd  18 points

Stanford’s 3^rd XI triumphantly registered their 2^nd win of the season when Ongar failed to raise a team. Relegation from 3^rd XI Division 3 is still a distinct possibility, with the forthcoming clash against Epping in a fortnight, likely to decide the fate of one or the other side.

The Sunday League match against Benfleet was cancelled due to the weather conditions.