Essex League: Hornchurch seeking revenge at Wanstead

Hornchurch captain Billy Gordon expects another tight game with Wanstead in the Hamro Foundation Essex League Premier Division on Saturday.

The Harrow Lodge club sit 33 points clear at the top of the table after their latest win at Hadleigh last weekend.

But their reign as T20 champions came to an end against Wanstead in the Essex finals at Billericay the following day.

Jalpesh Vijay scored 16 in the first over but was dismissed without addition, with George Hankins following very next ball.

Lesbourne Edwards hit 30 off 18 deliveries, while Luke Edwards (33) added 62 with skipper Gordon, who followed soon after for 33.

Hornchurch closed on 131-5 and reduced the Herons to 111-6 after dismissing Essex youngster Robin Das for 55.

But Wanstead skipper Joe Ellis-Grewal saw his side to a two-wicket win with five balls to spare, before they beat Billericay by eight wickets in the final.

“It was a brilliant game. It should’ve been the final really,” said Gordon, whose side went on to reach the European T10 final earlier this year.

“It would’ve been difficult to get that far again, but we would’ve loved it!

“They bowled really well. Me and Luke had to rebuild but the last four or five overs we didn’t push on as well as we should.

“Another 10 runs could’ve made a difference. Defending 130 is tough in T20.

“Das was dropped twice but it happens. It was a good game. But Muz [Paul Murray] and Ronnie [Saunders] were big misses.

“We’re still in with a shout of silverware in the league and other cups and have Muz and Ron back this weekend.

“The forecast isn’t great, but it should be another tight game and hopefully we get on the right side of it this time.”

Gordon was on the right side of another coin toss at Hadleigh, but his side slipped to 27-2 before Hankins (48) put on 73 with Lesbourne Edwards.

The left-hander went on to score 100 off 158 balls, with eight sixes and six fours, as Hornchurch were dismissed for 233.

And it proved far too many for Hadleigh – as former Hornchurch skipper Roy Smith (34) top scored – as Adeel Malik (4-42), Marc Whitlock (3-20) and Gordon (2-24) combined to seal a 109-run win.

“It was good to win the toss again. It’s the complete opposite to last year when I lost 90 per cent of them!” added Gordon.

“It’s always tricky over there so it was good to bat first. Les showed his class and what a brilliant signing he is.

“He got a bit of luck but every batter needs it, especially there, it’s a batsman’s graveyard! It wasn’t as bad as it has been in the past, but still not great.

“Whitlock got a few runs towards the end and 233 was a decent total.

“They’re a good side with a full team, especially at their place, and we knew we’d have to bowl well.

“And we did bowl really well. It was one of the best all-round performances as a bowling unit, everyone chipped in.

“We had one shower but played through it. We were quite lucky as it blows over quite quick there.

“It was good to get the 25 points and extend our lead.”

Nearest rivals Brentwood tied their match with Chelmsford, slipping from 122-4 to 148 all out and visit bottom club Chingford this weekend.