Billericay189ao (49 overs) Stanford 178ao (48.4 overs)

Stanford came close to beating the league leaders, but just fell short with victory in their grasp. Having put in the visitors, Stanford made an early breakthrough as Kevin Smith dismissed Guilbert. However, Nathan Batson (75) came to the crease and proved to be Billericay’s key man. He shared a 70 run stand with Southgate (32) for the 2nd wicket and another half-century one with Rutland (22), for the 3rd wicket. Bills looked dangerous at 126-2, but skipper Ross Poulton brought himself and fellow spinner Sam Spooner on to change the course of the innings. Spooner dismissed the dangerous Batson with one that dipped and turned, on his way to 3-49. Poulton tied up the other end and ran through the rest of the batting to finish with 5-31.

189 was well within the reach of the home team as they began the chase after tea. However, they could take no liberties with Greg Hammond (6-68), who bowled superbly throughout the innings. He was a constant threat, but Nathan Shearer (68) was looking comfortable enough. With 4 down for 72, Stanford were struggling until the Aussie was joined by Poulton (43). Their 64 run partnership put Stanford within striking distance and whilst Poulton remained prospects looked rosy. However, he was caught behind off an inside edge and Stanford needed 28 with 4 wickets remaining. In an exciting climax, the batsmen were out-thought by the bowlers as Billericay registered a 10 run win.

Stanford II 176ao (51.4 overs) Billericay II 180-8 (42.5 overs)

On the batting ‘road’ at Billericay, Stanford knew that their all out total of 176 would be difficult to defend. That they made that many was down to a fluent 70 from young Matt Higgins, who batted with remarkable maturity. Next top score was extras with 24, although several batsmen made double figures. Bills young opening bowler Yates (4-30) was impressive in his two spells.

After tea, Ian Sanderson (3-47) struck early, but Steve Roberts (88) took control, especially with Rutland (37no) entrenched at the other end. At one point, Billericay looked comfortable , needing only 44 with 8 wickets in hand. However, a late flurry of rattling timber gave the visitors a glimmer of hope, before the home side clinched a two wicket win.

Stanford III 177ao (51.3 overs) Upminster IV 181-1 (23.1 overs)

Stanford’s 3rd string took on league leaders Upminster at Stanford Rec, still searching for a first win of the season. As has so often happened this year, they put up a decent fight, but were ultimately out-classed. Skipper Geoff Lake (27) and Peter Victory (23) shared a half-century stand for the 2nd wicket, following Mark Easter’s unlucky dismissal. However, at 112-6, prospects were looking grim for any sort of challenging total. Adrian Page (34) stopped the rot and marshalled the tail well to clinch 6 batting points and a target that alarmed the visitors.

They need not have worried however. Page struck early for the home side, but that was their sole success. Rob Murhy (91no), followed up his undefeated century against the same attack earlier in the season, with a 156 run partnership with Phil Tuffee (60no). The visitors quick-fire win came in only 24 overs to maintain their title challenge.

Stanford III 6 points Upminster IV 18 points