Belhus Cricket Club News Flash

Belhus 4th XI 121-8
Grays & Chadwell 3rd XI 122-5

Usman of Grays and Chadwell made a fine undefeated 60 in the third division of the Lord's International Essex Cricket League at South Ockendon recreation ground on Saturday. Usman showed a propensity to latch on to anything pitched on a good length outside the line of off stump and frequently wielded his willow to score several lofted boundaries through extra cover. In fact he was the only visiting batsman to reach double figures, so Grays and Chadwell had every reason to be grateful for his match-winning performance. For the Belhus team, they were thankful that Mark Thomas was on form with the ball with 3-29 in a nine-over spell which included two maidens. His son Connor gained valuable experience with his off-spin guile with 1-27 from six overs, his victim being Kevin Hymas, caught at mid-wicket by Alfie Crowley for nine runs. Third change bowler Cliff Cansdale picked up the remaining Grays wicket to fall, when he bowled the promising Ross Fulbrook, also for nine runs, to finish with 1-14 from five overs.

Earlier in the day, Belhus had once again shown a much more resiliant approach to their batting, with Danny Norris again leading the way with a fine knock of 39, which included one six over deep mid-on and four other boundaries. Also in double figures were Daniel Dreher with 13 and Gary Hayers with 12. For Grays and Chadwell, Usman laid the foundations for his fine all-round display with 3-14 from six overs (one maiden), while veteran Colin Pomphrett continued to wheel away with his slow left arm to finish on 2-15 from nine overs, two of which were maidens. Singh, Scott and Fulbrook offered good support by claiming one wicket apiece for the visitors.