Essex League: Hornchurch captain hails brilliant title win

Hornchurch captain Billy Gordon admitted it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the Hamro Foundation Essex League Premier Division title with two games to spare.

A seven-wicket success at local rivals Brentwood left Hornchurch 61 points clear at the top, ahead of a home date with Buckhurst Hill on Saturday.

And Gordon believed it was no more than his side deserved this season.

“It feels brilliant,” said Gordon. “It was a great day and no better place to do it.

“We did really well, keeping them to a decent total. It was a good toss to win, I’ve been so lucky this season.

“The wicket was a bit difficult but I think we’ve deserved it.

“I think we’ve been the best team and it was great to get the result and relax.

“We’ve only lost once all season, which was close, and we want two more wins.

“We want to win by as many points as we can.”

Openers Aaron West (28) and Ed Ballard (38) put on 54, but that was Brentwood’s best stand as they were held to 182-8, after Adeel Malik (3-46) and Jalpesh Vijay (2-38) shone with the ball.

Thomas Moore (2-29) removed both Hornchurch openers to leave them 38-2, before Lesbourne Edwards put on 115 with George Hankins (61).

And Gordon joined Edwards (68 not out) to seal victory in the 38th over.

Gordon hit an unbeaten 68 off 66 balls to lead his side to 204-7 at Hornsey in their Conference Cup semi-final on Sunday.

And he followed that with 4-41, as Gavin Griffiths (3-10) and Malik (2-19) helped seal an 87-run win.

“We had a few drinks back at the club [on Saturday], but it wasn’t too bad on Sunday and we gave another brilliant performance,” he added.

“It will be good to celebrate at home this weekend. We’ve got lots planned on Sunday.”

The club are holding a special charity day to raise funds for OddBalls at Harrow Lodge Park on Sunday.

And after completing their league schedule at Colchester, they visit Brentwood in the Essex League Cup semi-finals (September 3), before their Conference Cup final with Walton-on-Thames at Camberley (September 16).

“The Conference Cup is difficult to win, there’s some really good teams in it from around London,” said Gordon.

“We’ve got to try and keep our form going for the last few games.

“We’ve got such great team morale and some good personalities.

“We’ve got some who have played professional, but who wanted to come to club cricket and win and take it serious and have banter.

“We’ve found the right balance. We’ve got most bases covered. We’re just missing a left-arm spinner.

“It’s probably my favourite team, it’s been really enjoyable and talent wise, it’s really good all round.”