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 Cricket Club Match reports 12^th May 2007

 SLHCC v Leigh on Sea

SLHCC 1^st XI 78 all out

Leigh-on-Sea 1^st XI 81 for 3

Leigh win by 7 wickets.

Leigh won the toss and elected to field.

Stanford, in their first league game in Division 2 following last season’s promotion, were immediately under pressure. Wickets fell regularly, with only three players making double figures. The pitch was to blame for several dismissals, but this was no excuse for a lacklustre display from the home team. For the second consecutive week, opening bowler Greg Barr (20), top scored with the bat !

Although Stanford managed to take three Leigh wickets, the visitors were never in trouble and the result was a foregone conclusion.

Leigh on Sea v SLHCC

Leigh-on-Sea 2nd XI 163 for 9

SLHCC 2nd XI 129 all out

Leigh win by 34 runs

Stanford won the toss and elected to field.

The opening attack of Woodford (3 for 39) and Ian Sanderson (1 for 31) had Leigh in all sorts of difficulty early on. They were superbly supported by off spinner Sam Spooner (5 for 30 from 18 overs). At 70 for 8, Leigh looked like they had been cockled. However, Stanford lacked the killer instinct and the last two wickets took the score on to 169.

No-one in Stanford’s top order looked comfortable against a useful Leigh attack. Only skipper Dean Hitchcock, batting at 6, filled his boots with an impressive 51. With no wag in its tail, the Stanford innings petered out 34 runs short. A disappointing start to life in Division 2, it was a match which Stanford should have won.

Leigh on Sea v SLHCC

SLHCC 3rd XI 130 for 9

Leigh-on-Sea 3rd XI 133 for 6

Leigh win by 4 wickets

Leigh won the toss and elected to field.

Young Adam Knight, batting at 5, was the star performer in the Stanford side. After the loss of early wickets, he came to the crease when the score was only 33. Showing maturity and composure beyond his years, he made 37 well-crafted runs and was eventually dismissed when the total was 117. Stanford batted out their 52 overs, but their score of 130 never looked enough.

Despite Chopper Harris getting one of the Leigh openers for a duck, the rest of the Leigh top order all got runs. As the winning post got nearer wickets began to fall, but it was too late for Stanford and Leigh got home by 4 wickets. Seven bowlers were used, among them Adam Knight (1 for 14), who completed a fine afternoon’s work with two catches.

The 4th team game was called off due to..... .Changed locks and No keys.....