Hornchurch hoping for one final hurrah in Conference Cup

The Hamro Foundation Essex League champions take on Walton-on-Thames at Camberley on Saturday, having seen hopes of a treble shattered in the Essex League Cup last weekend.

Gordon was one of several players to miss the final against Hadleigh at Wickford, due to a clash with the wedding of teammate Ronnie Saunders.

But Hornchurch should be closer to full strength as they look to end the 2023 campaign with another piece of silverware.

“We’ve got everyone back apart from Ron,” said Gordon.

“We were gutted to not play the other final, but it couldn’t be helped.

“We asked for a change of date, but it wasn’t to be.

“Hopefully we can make up for it this Saturday.”

Wicketkeeper Ted Coney suffered a dislocated elbow when fielding the first ball of the match against Hadleigh.

Stand-in skipper George Hankins took the gloves and held a diving catch off Arthur George for an early breakthrough but Hornchurch then saw their rivals reach 72-1.

They hit back in style after the first drinks break to reduce them to 91-7 as Adeel Malik (3-22) impressed.

But the last three wickets added another hundred runs before the innings ended in the 44th over, as Gavin Griffiths finished with 3-29, and understrength Hornchurch were soon in trouble at 11-2.

Luke Edwards hit four boundaries before he was next to depart, while dangerman and Hankins fell to a fine catch by wicketkeeper Ryan Funnell off man of the match Adam Dobson (3-23) to make it 46-4.

Hornchurch then slipped to 67-6 before Malik and Arthur George gave them hope, but their 42-run stand was ended by a controversial lbw decision against Malik and George (31) followed in similar circumstances soon after.

“Gavin [Griffiths] and George [Hankins] said they let them get away a bit,” added Gordon. 

“But it was always going to be difficult with the team we had out.

“Ted has come in and done well and is a really good lad who fits in well with the others.

“It’s just a shame and hopefully he recovers properly. It didn’t look a nice injury.”

As to what his side can expect against Walton-on-Thames, honest Gordon added: “I don’t know anything about them but will have a little look.

“We’ve got to go and play to the best of our ability and we feel we’ll have a good chance.

“I’m really looking forward to it and hope we can put last Saturday right.

“We’ve never been this far before so it could be another history-maker.

“I hope we can perform how we do. It should be a good game of cricket and it looks a really nice place.

“It’s a bit of a trek but hopefully it’s worth it.”