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!!

Match reports 26^th July 2008

1^st XI at Old Brentwoods

Old Brentwoods  260-6 (48 overs)               Stanford 212ao  (50.5 overs)

Stanford’s young seam attack struggled on the batting ‘road’ at Old Brentwoods. The Old Boys top 3 all made decent scores, Mulla (51), Mahmood (47) and Sarwar (45) all benefiting from the even pace and bounce. Ross Poulton (5-65) exerted a measure of control, but the runs continued freely enough that the home side could declare with a massive 260-6 on the board after 48 overs.

Duncan Page (28) once again anchored the top of the order as Stanford began the long haul and every batsman made a start. Unfortunately, no-one managed to push on to make even a big half-century that would have put the total in reach. Old Boys opener Mughal (4-65 from 22 overs) showed the virtues of line and length control on an unhelpful pitch, but it was first change Sarwar (5-66) who inflicted the most damage. In the end, Stanford were grateful for an 8^th wicket half-century stand between Michael Gray (31) and Kevin Smith (35), that allowed them to claim full batting points, before the inevitable defeat by 48 runs.

Stanford  6 points                                      Old Brentwoods  20 points

2^nd XI at home to Old Brentwoods II

Stanford II  261-4  (52 overs)                           Old Brentwoods II  233ao (44.4 overs)

In the reverse second team fixture, there was a reverse result. Stanford batted first, and had 76 on the board as Andy Powley (39) and Mark Knight (63) gave them a solid platform. 3 quick wickets followed, which gave Old Brentwoods some hope, but this was soon dampened as skipper Dean Hitchcock (75no) joined Knight in another half-century partnership. The icing was put on the cake by an undefeated 5^th wicket stand of 87, as Hitchcock was joined by Sam Spooner (57no), who hammered the wilting visiting bowlers into submission.

Old Brentwoods fought back bravely after the interval. Lall (63) at the top of the order, led the way and with support from Saeed (38) and Rich (31), the visitors began to mount a serious challenge. An inspired second spell from Daryl Woodford (5-56) swept the lower middle order away and with spinners Luke Dennis and Spooner picking up a couple each, Stanford stifled the Old Boys threat to record a 28 run win and go to 2nd in the division.

Stanford  II  20 points                                             Old Brentwoods II  5 points

3^rd XI at Basildon IV

Stanford III  267-3  (42 overs)               Basildon IV 208-5  (54 overs)

A superb 130 not out (22 fours and 3 sixes) by Dennis Wheatley dominated Stanford’s innings. He shared good stands with Marc Easter (30) and Jon Fuller (20), but really opened up in partnership withU13 Charlie Gleisinger (41no). They added an unbeaten 147 for the 5^th wicket, with Wheatley going from 50 to 100 in only 18 balls.

Basildon were always going to struggle to challenge such a massive total, but were workman-like in their approach as they saw off the new ball. However, Stanford’s first change, John Harris (16 overs 3-47), found some prodigious swing in the humid atmosphere and picked up three quick wickets to rock the home side. Brian Waterman (39) and Tony Dep (25) repaired some of the damage. Basildon old hand Tony Williams (71no) then took charge as he and Brendon Smith (14) held off everything that Stanford skipper Geoff Lake could throw at them, which included using 9 bowlers! Williams was joined by home skipper Gary Savage (14no) and they calmly collected the extra batting points, although Stanford were left to rue several chances that they failed to take.

Stanford III  10 points                                             Basildon IV  5 points

4^th XI at home to Hornchurch 6^th

Stanford IV  133ao  (33.3 overs)               Hornchurch VI  84ao  (27.4 overs)

Stanford’s 4^th string pulled off yet another shock win, against a side who had started the campaign as promotion favourites. David Ashley (24) again anchored the innings, allowing opening partner Robin Monji (41) to play his shots, as they put together a half-century stand. Thereafter however, the ball dominated. Grann (7-39) put on an excellent display, dismissing Ryan Butler, Craig Ashley and David Tester in successive balls to record a hat-trick. Wickets tumbled regularly, eventually leaving Stanford with a slightly disappointing all out total of 133.

Stanford again battled well in the field however. Chris Vale (3-22) got things off to an excellent start with some quick wickets. Grann (27) looked to be leading the way with the bat as well, but older hands John Youngman (3-31) and Colin Knight (2-6), took over to bring the innings to an abrupt end and leave Stanford comfortable 49 run winners.

Stanford IV   20 points                                 Hornchurch VI  4 points