Essex League: Hornchurch cannot be complacent says Gordon

Hornchurch captain Billy Gordon says they cannot afford any complacency after taking over at the top of the Hamro Foundation Essex League Premier Division.

A five-wicket win at Chelmsford took them four points clear of Colchester, as matches revert to the all-day format for the next nine weeks.

And Hornchurch head to Chingford on Saturday, looking to maintain their momentum.

“It was great to get maximum points and be top of the table for the all-day stuff,” said Gordon.

“Chingford away, they’ve got a few players back now so it’s not going to be easy. I like it there, it’s a lovely ground. We’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing and not get complacent.

“Bowling-wise the all-day format should help us, batting I’m not sure. We’ve batted rally well so far and need to keep it going, but it’s a different mentality.

“We’re off to a great start and want to get as many points as we can in the all-day matches. It’s a good challenge, but everyone is available so we’re at full strength.”

Gordon saw opposite number Jack Sterland choose to bat at Chelmer Park last weekend, then put on 51 for the first wicket with Dan Hagen.

But after Ronnie Saunders made the breakthrough, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and Chelmsford were all out for 118 in the 36th over.

Saunders finished as the pick of the bowling with 4-38, as Marc Whitlock (3-19), Adeel Malik (2-18) and George Hankins shared the other wickets.

“The first ball took a puff out of the wicket so we were a bit worried how it would be in the second innings,” added Gordon.

“I wanted to bat first but lost the toss and we got the spinners on straight away, it was spinning so much. Gavin [Griffiths] didn’t even get a bowl and the bounce was inconsistent as well.

“It was difficult out there but good to get Ronnie and Marc in the game as they’ve not bowled much yet, they’ve not had to. They were on the money straight away.”

Paul Murray put on 53 for the first Hornchurch wicket with Jalpesh Vijay, who hit 11 fours in his 51 off just 30 balls.

But Hornchurch slipped to 91-5 – with Hankins dismissed first ball after a double hundred a week earlier – before Saunders (27 not out) and Malik sealed victory.

“Jalpesh took the pressure off everyone getting us off to another really good start, which helps when you’re chasing a low total,” said Gordon.

“Me and Jack [Sterland] spoke after about there being a few decisions for both teams – 10 lbws out of 15 wickets!

“It was good to get over the line as it’s always difficult to win there.”