Belhus Cricket Club - Sunday 1st XI Results
September 28, 2008
Sun 1sts: "MCC" leads young Belhus to victory with 61
Belhus 1st 160-7
East Hanningfield 1st 124 all out
Belhus Sunday first eleven captain Michael Cansdale led his young team to an unexpected victory at East Hanningfield on Sunday with a gritty innings of 61 having batted through all but two overs of his side's innings, striking only five fours in a show of patience and defiance. Not content with that, "MCC" Cansdale then found some wicketkeeping gloves after tea to take up duties behind the timbers and duly responded with a faultless display, conceding no byes, taking a catch and completing two fine stumpings. On a slow pitch with the ball having a tendency to keep low, Belhus had three other batsmen in double figures as they set a closing figure of 160 for the hosts to chase. Danny Norris struck one six and two fours until he was bowled by A. Frost for 19, Ricki Ellis was run out for 11 and Cliff Cansdale was bowled, also by A. Frost for 17.
Despite the early loss of Hanningfield's opener Moore for ten runs, bowled middle stump by a perfect delivery from Chris Sharp, the home side were well placed for victory at 71 for 1 in the eighteenth over. But the introduction of the Belhus spinners turned the game on its head as the Belhus spin boys took eight wickets between them. Brian Edwards and Owen Jefferies both returned 3-22, Edwards' left arm round the wicket seeing the Belhus Chairman bowl eight overs, three of which were maidens. Meanwhile Owen Jefferies three-wicket haul came from seven overs, taking his weekend's tally to seven wickets. Cliff Cansdale helped mop up the tail with two wickets for just nine runs from four overs (one maiden). The innings came to a close when Barry Ruck took a diving catch at cover to dismiss last man Sharpe as Belhus wrapped up a fine victory. In support of the spin attack were Sharp, finishing with 1-26 from five overs and Norris, 1-16 from six overs which included one maiden. For East Hanningfield, A. Frost finished with 3-29 and an undefeated 17, while Rabout, P. Frost and Moore took a wicket each. Joining Moore and A. Frost in double figures were Patient with 33 and Kelly recording 26.
September 14, 2008
Sun 1sts: Rare defeat for Sunday ones in patchy display
Eastwood 227-7
Belhus 154 all out
The Belhus first team slumped to a rare defeat at Belfairs Park, Leigh, on Sunday. Eastwood won the toss and elected to bat on a lush surface. They quickly raced to 77 after the first ten overs through openers Coussins and Price who scored 38 and 16 respectively. Price was first to be dismissed, being caught behind by Belhus wicketkeeper George Brooks off the bowling of Danny Norris, while Coussins was bowled by Cliff Cansdale. Deeming contributed 26 until he was stumped by Brooks off Owen Jefferies, but then Samford proved to be a real thorn in the Belhus side as he amassed a fine 89. Steve Huckstepp's stay at the crease was very brief as he became wicketkeeper Brook's third victim, caught without troubling the scorers, but then his thirteen year old son, George, came to the crease to give his dad a batting lesson. Huckstepp junior hit a stylish 14 until he was caught by Danny Chandler off the bowling of Michael Cansdale. With Long contributing 17 as the home innings reached its 40-over conclusion, Belhus were able to take some positives from a patchy fielding and bowling display as Cliff Cansdale returned economical figures of 1-25 from eight overs, one of which was a maiden, while 13 year-old Owen Jefferies took 2-40, also from eight overs. Chris Baker took 2-18 to mop up the tail.
After tea, Belhus opener Gavin Jefferies hit a fine 38 (six boundaries) until he was caught by the second of two fine catches by George Huckstepp. Belhus skipper Michael Cansdale contributed a fine 40, in a knock which included three fours and one huge six across the adjacent road and into a nearby golf clubhouse. Ben Palmer and Owen Jefferies both contributed 12 runs and Chandler hit an entertaining 18 at the close, which included a huge six executed off a perfect lofted drive. Nicholls did the damage with the ball for Eastwood with 4-31 from seven overs (two maidens), while Deeming took 3-28 from seven overs. George Huckstepp completed a fine all-round game by taking 1-20 from four overs.
August 31, 2008
Sun 1sts: 62 from Norris makes it nine wins in a row
Belhus 1st 193 all out
Wickford 1st 167-9
In this 40 overs per side friendly at North Stifford on Sunday, Belhus continued their unbeaten run thanks to a magnificent innings of 62 from Danny Norris. He struck ten fours in his innings and found valuable support from Brian Edwards, 33, Michael Fogg 13, Gavin Jefferies 39 snd Ricki Ellis, 12 not out. After tea, Rouse top scored for Wickford with 46 but Dale Kenyon steamed in from the Chafford end of the ground to take 3-18 from four overs. Tony Ellis supported well with 2-19 from seven overs and Edwards produced his cheque book with 2-41 from eight overs. Alan Maidment and Ian Wright took 1-22 and 1-37 respectively.
August 24, 2008
Sun 1sts: Billy Winter, 57, and Brian Edwards, 54, make it eight consecutive victories
Belhus 1st 186-7
Hayes (Kent) 181 all out
The Belhus Sunday first eleven have now notched up eight straight wins, but it is doubtful that any of the games in this excellent run have been as close as this friendly encounter at Hayes. After the early loss of opener Gavin Jefferies with the scoreboard showing just eight runs, Billy Winter struck a fine 57 while Brian Edwards also reached the half-century mark in the Belhus middle order with a fine undefeated 55. There were cameo innings from Michael Cansdale and Danny Chandler with 27 and 13 respectively as Belhus were able to close on 186 but their were some doubts amongst a good crowd as to whether the total was outside the reach of the home side. A 74-run partnership between Jones (66) and Robertson (20) almost sealed the visitors fate, but, on a slow pitch thanks to early morning rain, Belhus turned to spin and the game rotated slowly back in favour of Belhus, albeit slightly. Edwards capped another fine all-round performance, his second of the weekend, by claiming 4-17 from eight overs (two maidens) while Owen Jefferies picked up 1-35 from eight overs. Edwards' second wicket, that of Jones, caught at backward point by Chris Baker was undoubtedly a pivotal moment. Hayes, at 152-6, requiring just 30 from the final ten overs, should have won at a canter, but succumbed as Dale Kenyon, in a rare wicketkeeping venture, pulled off two stumpings, both off Edwards. With four overs remaining, eight wickets down and just ten runs required, Cansdale came on to bowl from the Barnet Wood Road end, replacing Edwards who had completed his maximum allocation of eight overs. The first delivery went for four byes, an unfortunate occurrence given how well Kenyon had kept, but with the very next ball, number nine batsman Creedy had his stumps re-arranged. At the end of this over, Hayes were 181-9, requiring six runs to win from 18 deliveries. Danny Norris replaced Owen Jefferies at the Rugby end, also an enforced bowling change. On the second delivery the ball was lofted high to mid-off where skipper Cansdale accepted the match-winning catch.
August 17, 2008
Sun 1sts: Baker slams magnificent 114 in 152-run victory
Belhus 1st 259-5
Waggoners 107 all out
Chris Baker struck a magnificent 114 from 93 balls in this one-sided encounter at North Stifford on Sunday. He struck no fewer than 17 fours as Billy Winter and Brian Edwards cashed in with 46 and 36 respectively. George Brooks picked up 3-18 after tea and with Ricki Ellis offering excellent support with 2-11, Waggoners collapsed from 50 for 3 to 107 all out after 32.4 overs, for whom Potter top scored with 29.
August 10, 2008
Sun 1sts: Nine-wicket league win over Westcliff
Westcliff on Sea 1st XI 118 all out
Belhus 1st XI 120-1
Belhus maintained their good performances of late with an emphatic nine-wicket victory over Westcliff in the east division of the Essex Invitation Sunday League at North Stifford on Sunday. Westcliff had raced to 52 for one off only 9.2 overs but then a superb direct hit from Richard Day from cover point to the stumps at the bowler's end saw visiting dangerman Harrison on his way back to the pavilion for a rapid 36 from an equal number of deliveries faced. A steady collapse then ensued as Gavin Jefferies took 2-38, Billy Winter 2-22, Michael Cansdale 2-20, Brian Edwards 2-2 and Danny Norris 1-8. After the break, Belhus suffered an early loss when Michael Fogg was caught at square leg by Taylor off the bowling of Thomas for just four runs, but then Chris Baker joined Martin Guilbert and these two put on 114 in an undefeated stand for the second wicket. Guilbert struck 67 in a knock which included no fewer than fourteen boundaries from only 52 deliveries faced, while Baker reached 48 not out from 41 deliveries, striking 48 runs in the process. Belhus had the game done and dusted after just 16.3 overs, which was just as well as the precipituous weather closed in around the ground.
August 03, 2008
Sun 1sts: Fogg 65 not out leads Belhus to five-wicket league win
Basildon and Pitsea 1st 167-9
Belhus 1st 170-5
A superb all-round performance from Michael Fogg completed a fine weekend double for himself and his club in this Essex Invitation Sunday League east division fixture at North Stifford on Sunday. Fogg hit a fine undefeated 65 to add to his two stumpings and one catch as wicketkeeper earlier in the day. George Brooks scored 41 and with opener Martin Guilbert supporting well with 33, the visitors from Basildon were unable to make the breakthrough in a strong Belhus middle-order. For Basildon and Pitsea, Daw took 3-27 and Lewis 2-34, while in the afternoon session, Michael Cansdale and Brian Edwards both finished with 3-24 from eight overs. Dale Kenyon took 2-25 from eight overs with four impressive maidens, while Gavin Jefferies took 1-30 from six overs. The visitors had eight of their batsmen in double figures, but none were able to go on and get a match-winning score. Anderson was top scorer with 26.
July 27, 2008
Sun 1sts: Marvellous Marns hits 107 as Belhus rack up 332 in massive league victory
Belhus 1st XI 332-5
Pegasus and Corringham 1st 153 all out
A magnificent opening partnership of 190 between Martin Guilbert and Nicholas Marns set Belhus on their way to a huge, unassailable target at Herd Lane, Corringham on Sunday. Marns top scored with a fine 107, in an innings which included 17 fours and two sixes from 99 balls faced. The partnership was finally broken when Guilbert was dismissed for a fine 93 after hitting eleven fours and two sixes from 75 deliveries. Belhus continued the run rampage through number three batsman Lee Webber, who hit seven boundaries in an undefeated innings of 51, while George Brooks contributed 29 in the later stages of the Belhus innings. Despite the carnage, second change bowler Patmore emerged with credit to finish with 2-37 from eight overs, his two wickets being the prized scalps of the Belhus openers. Marshall supported well with 2-22 from three overs and Stapleton took 1-56 from five overs.
When the home side replied in this Essex Sunday League east division fixture, opener Daryl Hymas struck twelve boundaries, but when he had reached 56, he was stumped by Michael Fogg off the bowling of Brian Edwards, but the wicket of Hymas was the sixth Pegasus wicket to fall as Billy Winter took 2-23 from five overs (one maiden), with Edwards finishing on 2-11 from 4.3 overs while there was a wicket apiece for Ian Havard, Gavin Jefferies and Guilbert who finished with 1-43, 1-20 and 1-16 respectively. For Pegasus and Corringham, Cairns hit 20, Francis made 32 and Stapleton was run out for 16.
July 20, 2008
Sun 1sts: Runs flow as Waters hits 79
Roydon 211-5 dec
Belhus 1st XI 215-5
Richard Waters led a powerful Belhus batting display at Roydon on Sunday with 79 from 98 deliveries. He was supported by fellow opener Billy Winter, who made 24 as these two put on 59 for the first wicket. There were other useful contributions from Michael Cansdale, 20, Michael Fogg 39 and Danny Norris 11. Earlier, Robbie Waters scored a fine 84 not out for the home side which included one six and ten fours, while opener Jim Sealey scored 52 until he became one of Cansdale's three victims, the visiting spinner finishing with 3-33 from seven overs. Norris took 1-17 from four overs while Brian Edwards took 1-49 from seven overs. Third change bowler Ian Wright proved to be the Belhus workhorse as he restricted the home side well, conceding just 33 runs from a thirteen over spell, three of which were maidens. Also doing well in the economy stakes were Michael Fogg, 17 runs from a seven over spell and Gavin Jefferies, eighteen runs from seven overs (one maiden).
July 13, 2008
Sun 1sts: 80 runs by George as Gavin hits 62 at Rettendon
Rettendon 1st XI 158 all out
Belhus 1st XI 159-2
Rettendon recovered from 17 for the loss of four wickets as number nine batsman Romorth crashed a fine 107, but a sensational second wicket partnership from Belhus between Gavin Jefferies and George Brooks gave the visitors another fine win. After the early loss of Michael Fogg, trapped leg before for just a single, Brooks struck a fine undefeated 80 and Jefferies was eventually dismissed for 62 with just three runs required for victory. Earlier, Jefferies took 3-21 from six overs (one maiden) and left-arm spin bowler Brian Edwards took 2-46 from eight overs in a spell which included two maidens. Ian Wright severely dented Rettendon's chances of a big score with miserly figures of 1-12 from eight overs, four of which were maidens.
June 22, 2008
Sun 1st: Gavin Jefferies bags 3-11 in League match with Stanford
Belhus 1st XI 137-6
Stanford le Hope 1st XI 139-4
Gavin Jefferies of Belhus removed the top three Stanford batsmen in the Essex Sunday League east division clash at North Stifford on Sunday, but it was not enough to stop the visitors romping home to a six-wicket victory with 13.5 overs remaining. Jefferies bowled Nathan Shearer from the final ball of his fourth over, then had Lee Knight caught by Michael Fogg from the first delivery of his sixth over. Jefferies followed that up with having Robert Page trapped leg before. Shearer and Knight scored 20 and 19 respectively but it was an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 93 between Ross Poulton and Kevin Smith which saw Stanford through to a deserved victory. Poulton finished on 36 from 37 deliveries and Smith finished on 52 from 47 balls faced. For Belhus, Richard Waters gave Jefferies good support with 1-34 from an eight-over spell which included two maidens.
Earlier, four home batsmen made good starts but were not able to capitalise on the situation. Martin Guilbert scored 27, Richard Day made 16, Michael Fogg struck 28 while Stuart Morris and George Brooks made 26 and 24 respectively. Amongst the wickets for the visitors were Lee Knight 2-13 from three overs, Smith, 2-29 from eight, while James Drain and Poulton took one wicket each. Ian Sanderson bowled economically without reward, finishing with 0-21 from eight overs, two of which were maidens.
June 15, 2008
Sun 1st XI: Beaten at Billericay but 8 bonus points collected
Billericay 1st XI 247 all out
Belhus 1st XI 175-6.
Home openers Gary Hynes and Chris Horton put on 108 for the first wicket to give Billericay a perfect start and one which ultimately paved the way for a 72-run victory over Belhus in this Essex Sunday League east division fixture at the Toby Howe ground. Hynes struck 62 from 66 deliveries until he was bowled by Billy Winter (1-25) while Horton was first man out, bowled by Michael Cansdale (1-33) for 55 in an innings which comprised 61 deliveries. Stuart Hynes and Stuart Rutland then bolstered the Billericay batting still further with 49 and 34 respectively, both falling to Martin Guilbert (2-50), but Belhus never gave up hope and were able to claim maximum bowling points after eventually dismissing the hosts from the final delivery of the innings. Nick Marns was the leading wicket taker with 3-36 from five overs.
The visitors were not able to replicate the opening partnership seen earlier in the afternoon as Richard Day fell for 12 and vice-captain Chris Baker was soon following him back to the pavilion without score. However, Guilbert struck 29, then Michael Fogg struck 30, followed by Cansdale with 41. Billy Winter gave valuable support with 20 and at the close, Gavin Jefferies and Nick Marns were at the crease, undefeated on 18 and 4 respectively. For Billericay, Elliot Stannell took 3-26 from eight overs (two maidens) while Gary Sanderson, Adam Marchant and Joe Parsons claimed one wicket apiece.
June 08, 2008
Sun 1sts: "Goochie" hits personal best of 79 not out
Belhus 1st XI 213-4 dec
Horton Kirby 102-7
Stuart Morris and Michael Cansdale put on 138 in an unbroken fifth wicket stand but were forced to settle for a draw at North Stifford on Sunday. Morris struck a personal best score of 79 not out from 71 balls faced in an innings lasting six minutes short of two hours. His fifty came of just 55 deliveries and struck eleven boundaries in total, which included two sixes. Cansdale scored 54 not out from 58 deliveries. For the visitors, Hills and Wain took 2-15 and 2-36 respectively.
After tea, Gordon Watts struck 29 and while Scott Bennett reached 15, Will Defries 10 and Brad Wain 18, the appropriately named number six batsman Ben Drew occupied the crease for 67 deliveries for his defensive 11 not out, thus earning the visitors a draw. Belhus opening bowlers Ian Havard and Gavin Jefferies took 2-13 and 2-33 respectively while Greg Mendham, Brian Edwards and Cansdale took one wicket apiece.
June 01, 2008
Sun 1st XI: 69 for Caper brightens his Day
Benfleet 1st XI 211-7
Belhus 1st XI 174 all out
Belhus fell by just 37 runs in their Essex Invitation Sunday league run chase at North Stifford, with opening batsman Richard Day leading the way with a fine 69 until he was trapped leg before wicket, being third man out with the score on 145. Day struck two sixes and four other boundaries and he featured in a 74-run opening partnership with Martin Guilbert. Also in double figures for Belhus were Chris Baker with 15 runs while Michael Cansdale and Billy Winter made 12 as the Benfleet bowlers, backed up by some lively fielding, ripped through the middle and late order as Belhus collapsed from 156 for three to 175 all out. Sean Pritchard of Benfleet took 4-33 from 6.5 overs to complete a fine all-round performance while D. Wright took 2-9 from three overs.
Earlier in the afternoon, after the loss of opener Brady, bowled by Ian Harvard for 18, Prophet joined Pritchard at the crease and these two put on 116 for the second wicket in a partnership which was not broken until Day took one of two well-judged catches on the leg side boundary to dismiss Pritchard for 60. Prophet struck 64. Wilkins and Paul Tremain also reached double figures with 16 and 22 not out respectively. For Belhus, Guilbert took 2-18 from four overs, Ian Wright returned 2-30 from six overs and Cansdale 2-47 from eight overs. Ian Harvard took 1-32 from eight overs but the best economy rate was achieved by Billy Winter, who conceded just 19 runs from five tidy overs.
May 18, 2008
1st XI: Connor Day bowls superbly but Shah wraps it up for Wickford
Belhus 1st XI 181-5
Wickford 1st XI 185-4
The last time these two teams met, Imran Shah scored a century for Wickford at North Stifford in September, 2007. On this occasion at Wickford's Dick Patmore Memorial ground, Shah fell just ten runs short of repeating the feat in a fine innings which included three sixes and nine fours. He received good support from Etchells, 37, and Deller, 41 not out, as Wickford earned a good well-paced six-wicket victory, with eight balls to spare. For Belhus, young paceman Connor Day produced the best economy rate of 2.87 per over to finish with a fine 1-23 from eight overs (one maiden), while the remaining four wickets to fall were shared by Ian Harvard, Ian Wright, Danny Norris and Michael Cansdale.
In the afternoon session, Chris Baker continued his rich vein of form with 43, while Stuart Morris notched 34. To conclude the Belhus innings, there was an unbroken stand of exactly 50 for the sixth wicket as Billy Winter played some exquisite strokes for 29 not out, while Dale Kenyon slogged his way to an aggressive undefeated 31 from only 21 deliveries, which included one six and two fours. For Wickford, skipper Potton took 2-24 from five overs while Major and Leaver took one wicket each.
May 11, 2008
1st XI: Jefferies, Baker and Maidment blast Belhus to 140-run victory
Belhus 1st XI 218-5
Tatsfield Village 78 all out
A magnificent 120-run fourth wicket partnership between Gavin Jefferies and Chris Baker, followed by a devastating spell of medium pace bowling by Alan Maidment which yielded 5-14, sealed the fate of the visitors to North Stifford from Tatsfield, near Westerham in Kent on Sunday afternoon. Jefferies struck an undefeated 73 from 92 deliveries - a personal best in adult cricket - the innings containing one six and seven fours. Baker struck 66 at a rate of exactly one run per ball and struck six boundaries. To compound the problems of Tatsfield Village, Maidment was keen to show no mercy and claimed the first four wickets to fall, those of Luke Mecton, Andrew Woolhouse and Simon Hendry, all clean bowled for 10,11 and nought respectively, while Jonathon Dunn was trapped leg before, also without score. Ton finish the match, Maidment was re-introduced to the attack with Tatsfield all but finished at 70 for 9 wickets after 22 overs. Needless to say, Maidment took just four deliveries to finish the job despite being clubbed for two boundaries. Last man James Enever was the victim, mercilessly bowled for eight as Maidment completed his 6.4 overs with two maidens, his fourth over being a double wicket maiden with dismissals on his third and sixth deliveries. Only Chris Heaseman and Kevin Eames joined Woolhouse in double figures with 23 not out and 16 respectively.
For Belhus, Maidment received good support from Ian Wright, 2-19 from eight overs (three maidens) while left-arm spin bowler Brian Edwards recovered from having 14 runs taken from his second over to finish with 3-24 from five overs, one of which was a maiden. Belhus rested Michael Fogg from his regular wicketkeeping position and the gloves went to Dale Kenyon while Fogg developed his off-spin. Kenyon claimed one stumping, that of Stuary Hendry for nought off Edwards, while Fogg managed just three overs of spin (0-17) until Maidment wrapped up this one-sided game after 22.4 overs of Tatsfield batting.
Earlier in the day, Michael Cansdale, Kenyon, Fogg had contributed 15, 20 and 14 not out respectively but these were minor contributions when compared with the Jefferies and Baker onslaught. Exactly 200 runs had come from the bat; the remaining 18 were extras, though Kenyon will be comforted by the fact that only four of those were byes. For the visitors, Enever was top bowler with 2-31 from eight overs and three maidens, while Stuart Hendry and Chris Heaseman took one wicket apiece.
May 04, 2008
1st XI: Baker Boosts Belhus to Sunday League Win
Southend on Sea 1st XI 128 all out
Belhus 1st XI 132 for 5
Chris Baker led Belhus to a fine five-wicket victory over Southend in the east division of the Essex Invitation Sunday League at North Stifford. Baker walked to the crease in the sixteenth over and faced 54 deliveries in three minutes over the hour to score a studious undefeated 30 which included one six and and one four. For much of his innings he was accompanied by Michael Cansdale in a fourth wicket partnership of 54. The pairing was ended when Ricky Graves bowled Cansdale for 38, with the scoreboard showing 111. Opening batsman Richard Day started the initial push for victory with 18, when he was caught by Russell Shepherd at mid-off from the bowling of James Gilroy.
Earlier in the day, Ian Harvard generated a huge amount amount of swing and yorked Southend opener Mark Humby with a virtually unplayable delivery. Harvard finished his maximum permitted eight overs, three of which were maidens, by conceding just ten runs. Harvard also removed Humby's opening partner Numan Khan for 15, brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Michael Fogg, diving to take a leg side catch off the glove. This was a crucial wicket, given that Khan scored a century in last season's meeting. First change bowler Ian Wright, replacing the impressive Billy Winter at the Chafford end, turned the screw still further by removing the rest of the upper Southend order, bowling Stuart Trivett, having Shepherd caught behind and then Andy Callaway became Wright's third and final victim when George Brooks held on to a fierce drive. These three batsmen contributed no more than ten runs between them and Belhus were then in a strong position as Southend were 47 for 5 after nineteen overs as Wright finished his spell with 3-21 which included one maiden.
Southend were able to rally through John Horne, 42, Connor Enderby, 20 and James Gilroy 13, but the visitors were eventually dismissed with just two balls of the final over remaining when Eamonn Kearney was stumped by Fogg off Brian Edwards. Cliff Cansdale and Edwards claimed two wickets each, finishing on 2-23 and 2-11 respectively.
April 27, 2008
Sunday Firsts: Revell's Route 66 sends Belhus to defeat at Hadleigh
Hadleigh and Thundersley 1st 228 all out
Belhus 1st 122 all out
An aggressive 39-ball innings of 66 from Hadleigh's Ritchie Revell was enough to put this Essex Invitation Sunday league game out of the reach of Belhus at the John Burrows sports ground on Sunday. Revell struck six sixes and two fours until he was caught at deep mid-off by Martin Guilbert off the bowling of Ian Wright. Home openers Paul Tibbenham and Oliver Wagstaff shared an opening stand of 51 but both were dismissed by first change bowler Billy Winter. Dan Robbins chipped in with 21, Adam Fleming 18, Charlie Gibbons 20 and Luke Smith 12. Hadleigh were looking comfortable on 89 for the loss of only one wicket, but then proceeded to lose three wickets without further addition. With Winter accounting for Wagstaff, the very next over saw skipper Michael Cansdale introduce himself into the attack and was immediately on a hat-trick, having taken a wicket with his first two deliveries. He accounted for Robbins, caught by Winter at backward square leg, then clean bowled Connor Hayes. 89 for 4 in the sixteenth over looked a different proposition, until Revell got the better of the Belhus attack. Cansdale finished his eight over spell with 3-19 which included two maidens, while Ian Wright also picked up three wickets, at a cost of 41 runs. Winter returned 2-42 from seven overs while Danny Norris picked up the remaining wicket. Belhus opening bowler Ian Harvard toiled away without reward, bowling one maiden in a fine eight-over spell.
As the players came off for their tea, the heavens opened but no delay in play occurred. Unsurprisingly, given the conditions, it was another spin bowler, this time in the form of Luke Smith to reap dividends in the damp conditions. Smith finished with 4-15 from his alloted eight overs, which also included a maiden. His victims were Richard Day, caught by Connor Hayes at deep long-on for 15, Brian Edwards bowled for five, then Wright and Norris both perished to excellent stumpings by Michael Tibbenham for 4 and 14 respectively. Tibbenham went on to claim a third stumping, that of Winter to add to a catch earlier in the piece.
Belhus number seven batsman Chris Didd put up considerable resistance with a fine knock of 39 from 55 deliveries which included five boundaries. He was last man out, eventually trapped leg before to give Dan Robbins a sole wicket. Also claiming a single wicket were Revell, Ian Harrison and Wagstaff, while Gibbons finished with 2-26 from six overs.
September 15, 2007
Sun 1st: Fogg rolls in with 72 and Baker delivers 56
Belhus 1st 228-4
Eastwood 1st 227-6
Belhus kept their nerve as they sneaked home by just one run in this thriller at Belfairs Park on Sunday (15th September 2007). Chris Baker hit a fine 56 from 42 deliveries and hit seven boundaries in the process. Belhus then went into overdrive through Michael Fogg and Danny Norris. These two put on 123 in an unbroken stand for the fifth wicket. Fogg hit 72 from 64 deliveries and struck nine fours and one six, while Norris finished on 48 from 64 balls faced, hitting seven fours in the process. Earlier, Belhus openers Barry Ruck and Billy Winter scored 19 and 10 respectively. Any thoughts that Belhus could rest on their laurels were quickly dispelled after tea as home openers Doug Whalley and John Harper savaged the Belhus bowling after a tidy opening spell of pace bowling from Connor Day, who conceded just 13 runs from his four overs (one maiden). After Day retired from the attack, Whalley and Harper put on 112 for the first wicket after 17.4 overs, at which point Harper was bowled by Brian Edwards for 49. Whalley then pressed on and eventually became Edwards' third victim for 90. Harper had struck nine boundaries and Whalley hit an impressive sixteen fours. Edwards finished with 3-44 from seven overs of left-arm spin but the real pressure fell to Billy Winter. Bowling the final over of the match with Eastwood requiring just seven runs to win with four wickets in hand, a very tidy over saw Belhus edge home by the smallest of margins. Ian Roke and Brett Deeming were left to trudge off the park with 21 not out and five not out respectively. Winter finished with 3-19 from four overs.
September 02, 2007
Cansdale hits 81 but Wickford win by seven wickets
Belhus 1st XI 206-8
Wickford 1st XI 207-3
Belhus Sunday captain Michael Cansdale struck a fine 81 at North Stifford on Sunday (2nd September 2007) but was upstaged by Wickford's impressive Imran Shah who blazed a superb 104 not out from just 101 deliveries to secure a seven-wicket victory for the visitors on another first class track. Earlier, Cansdale had struck one six and five fours from 97 balls faced. He received fine support from Chris Baker, 31 from 32 deliveries and Billy Winter, 23 not out. For Wickford, Brian Roach led the bowling attack with 3-25 from eight overs (two maidens). After tea, Cansdale was the most profitable bowler with 2-27 from eight overs while Winter finished with 1-28 from 3.4 overs as Carey with 48 featured in a match-winning first-wicket partnership of 92 with Shah.
August 26, 2007
Sunday 1's shown how to bat
Old Southendian and Southchurch 1st 255-4
Belhus 1st 178-6
Chris Sawyer from the old boys struck a magnificent, rapid century from
only 42 deliveries at Southchurch Park on Sunday in the Essex Invitation
League (east division). At one time he looked to be inflicting the worst
possible damage on a Belhus bowler by smashing huge sixes off the first
five deliveries of an over, but the sixth only went for a single. In all,
Sawyer hit nine sixes and four fours and was eventually dismissed
attempting a reverse sweep off Roy Heffernan and was stumped by Michael
Fogg. Up until the arrival of Sawyer at the crease, Belhus had things
largely in check though opener Rob Johnston provided a fair home platform
with 43. After tea, Michael Cansdale top scored for the visitors with 42
while there were other good contributions from Ian Wright, 31 not out,
Michael Fogg, 30 and Brian Edwards 29.
August 12, 2007
Sun 1st XI: By a Whisker, Rooke castles Belhus
Goresbrook 1st XI 216-5
Belhus 1st XI 155 all out
Kurt Whisker and Michael Rooke put on 106 in what turned out to be a match-winning partnership for Goresbrook in the Essex Invitation Sunday League at North Stifford on Sunday (12th August). Whisker struck a fine 101 not out while Rooke struck a fine 44. Top Belhus bowler was left-arm spinner Brian Edwards, who finished with 2-32 from his alloted eight overs (one maiden). In reply sixteen year old Michael Fogg hit 54, but will be disappointed to have been dismissed as a result of a tame offering to mid-off. In good support were Michael Cansdale with 28 and Martin Guilbert with 23. Two Goresbrook bowlers took six wickets between them, being Lawrence Walsh 4-26 from five overs (two maidens) and Darren Ivory, 2-33 from six overs.
August 05, 2007
Sun 1st XI: Belhus edged out at Basildon and Pitsea
Belhus 1st XI 110 all out
Basildon & Pitsea 1st XI 111-8
Batsmen from both teams struggled on a very slow pitch at Mopsies Park in the Essex Invitation Sunday League (on 5th August 2007). Belhus had three main contributors with the bat, being Roy Heffernan with 31, Michael Fogg 29 and Stuart Morris with 23 not out. Three home bowlers each took two wickets apiece, being Lewis, Bedford and Daw with 2-29, 2-25 and 2-15 respectively.
After the break, Belhus made Basildon and Pitsea work hard for their victory as the pitch became slower and the bounce virtually non-existent. The home side eventually chalked up their victory with 4.4 overs remaining as Danny Gray scored 24 and Luke Daw 18. Michael Cansdale and Billy Winter ended with figure of 2-22 off eight overs and 2-13 off five overs respectively while Roy Heffernan, Chris Baker and Cliff Cansdale picked up a wicket apiece.
July 29, 2007
Daryl Hymas hits unbeaten 141 at North Stifford
Belhus 1st XI 198-8 (40 overs, inns closed)
Pegasus and Corringham 1st XI 202-7
Daryl Hymas struck a magnificent 141 not out to clinch a three-wicket victory over near neighbours Belhus in the East division of the Essex Sunday League (on 27th July 2007). Despite batting throughout with a runner and in some discomfort, Not for the first time. Hymas found the first class pitch at North Stifford very much to his liking as Belhus lost only their second Sabbath competition match of the season. Earlier, home captain Michael Cansdale struck a fine 55 after a solid opening start from Martin Guilbert with 41. Simon Ullathorne added some late runs for Belhus with 28. Belhus remain second in the league table with 80 points, sixteen points behind leaders Shenfield, who have a game in hand. Pegasus and Corringham move up one place to sixth in the table.
July 15, 2007
Chairman strikes a fine 69 on Village Green
Belhus 1st XI 213-8 (inns closed, 40 overs)
Rontays 144-6 (inns closed, 40 overs)
Belhus chairman Brian Edwards enjoyed a fine 69 on the village green at North Stifford on Sunday of 85 balls, striking seven fours in the process. He was well supported by opening batsman Michael Cansdale, who struck 57 off 66 deliveries, including nine fours. Then Mathew Lewis struck a rapid 50 from only 34 balls faced, hitting eight fours and one text-book straight six in the process. There was an 86-run partnership between Edwards and Cansdale for the third wicket, while Edwards and Lewis compiled a fine 76 partnership for the fourth wicket. After the break, Ben Palmer continued his fine form with the ball with 3-17 from six overs, though the best bowling performance of the day went to eighteen year old Sheehan of Rontays, who finished with 6-19 from eight overs, which included one maiden.
July 08, 2007
Waggoners win after Fogg clears for 72
Waggoners 191-5
Belhus 174 all out
Belhus staggered to a rare Sunday first eleven defeat at the lavish
facilities of HSBC sports ground at New Beckenham (on Sunday 8th July 2007).
Belhus wicketkeeper-batsman Michael Fogg struck a fine 72 but Belhus were
always behind the run-rate after the earlier batsmen had laboured to a
meagre total of just 16 runs from the first ten overs.
June 17, 2007
Sunday firsts win latest league match by default
Belhus gained a maximum 18 points from their scheduled Essex Invitation Sunday League east division fixture with Southend Trinity on Sunday (17th June 2007) when Trinity contacted Belhus to advise that they could not field a team. Belhus remain top of the division as they press for promotion to the premier division in 2008.
June 10, 2007
Cansdale, 69* and Morris, 64, lead the way to another first eleven victory
Old Colfeians 245-8 dec
Belhus 1st 246-5
Half-centuries from Stuart Morris and Michael Cansdale maintained the
Sunday first eleven's excellent run of good performances at Kidbrooke. Cansdale
struck three sixes and six fours in an undefeated innings of 69 from just
44 deliveries but the foundations were laid by Stuart Morris with 64 who
struck ten boundaries, including one six. There were also good contributions from
Chris Didd, Chris Baker and Matthew Clark. Didd hit 42 which included six
fours, Baker reached 18 while Clark featured in a 82-run partnership for
the fifth wicket to finish with 27. The home bowling honours went to Steve
Kelleher, 2-58 from eight overs, while Aseet Bahra took 1-21 from eight
overs, which included one maiden. Earlier, Colfeians' opening batsman
Dominic Aldophe struck a fine 62 until he was caught behind by Nick
Marns off the bowling of Ben Palmer (1-33). Chris Read struck a
half-century until he too was caught behind, this time off the bowling
of Cansdale (2-53). Other home contributions came from James O'Dowd,
14, Jim McLean, 16, and Connoll Askew with 40. Kirsten Davenhill
was most impressive with the ball for the visitors, returning 3-42. Alex
Jennings claimed 1-38.
June 03, 2007
It's Nick and Ben - the Power Plot Men!
Benfleet 1st XI 147 all out
Belhus 1st XI 150-2
Belhus secured another Essex Sunday League east division victory, this time at Woodside Recreation Ground, Benfleet (on 3rd June 2007). A superb bowling and fielding performance saw the home side pegged back to 54 for four after 21 overs. Front line bowlers Chris Baker and Simon Ullathorne were in devastating form. From their eight over spells, the maximum allowed under Sunday League playing regulations, Baker took 1-23 including one maiden while Ullathorne conceded just fourteen runs from his spell which included four maidens. First change bowler Kirsten Davenhill took 3-30,a so from eight overs, one of which was a maiden. There was also a wicket apiece for Michael Cansdale, Brian Edwards and Roy Heffernan, with 1-19 from eight overs, 1-24 from 3.5 overs and 1-28 from three overs respectively.
After tea, the Marns brothers - Nick and Ben - opened the Belhus innings. Nick struck five boundaries in an innings of 43 as he put on 117 for the first wicket with Ben, the younger of the two batting brothers. Ben hit a magnificent 69 with his 50 coming off just 36 balls in 38 minutes at the crease. He struck eight fours and two sixes. However, the Belhus reply was thwarted by the introduction of spin bowler Brendon Burns. He completed his eight over spell wicketless, but delivered an incredible five maidens and conceded just seven runs in his whole spell. Faced with such good bowling, Ben's run rate dropped substantially, though credit must be given for his extreme concentration and patience, as he added a further nineteen runs to his score, taking a further 54 deliveries over those 19 runs. Ben had adapted his batting style to suit the change of bowling. This inevitably put Belhus in a very strong position as Benfleet struggled to take wickets against resolute opponents determined to bat themselves to victory. In the end it was left to Martin Guilbert and Chris Didd, both unbeaten on seven and fifteen runs respectively, to see Belhus home to a well deserved victory.
Supporting Burns with the ball were Shaun Pritchard 1-44 from eight overs and Gareth Steed 1-33, also from eight overs, which included one maiden.
May 20, 2007
Marvellous Marns Brothers cash in at Wickford
Wickford 245-6
Belhus 246-3
Belhus opener Nick Marns struck a magnificent 105 from 98 deliveries in 102 minutes to give Belhus a fine seven-wicket victory at the Dick Patmore Memorial Ground on Sunday afternoon (20th May 2007). He shared in a second-wicket stand of 130 with younger brother Ben. The partnership was broken when Ben was bowled by Imran Shah for 44, his innings included seven fours. Meanwhile Nick's 100 was reached from just 87 deliveries though after five more runs were collected to his personal tally, he was caught by Lee Dellor at extra-cover. Brian Edwards then struck a rapid 54 not out in an innings which included eight fours, one of which was a spectacular reverse-slog-sweep. Chris Didd finished with 13 not out. Edwards had earlier taken 2-14 with the ball from three overs, while Michael Cansdale, Didd, Chris Baker took one apiece. There was also a run out thanks to a good return throw from Ben Palmer.
For Wickford, who provided a peach of a batting surface, John Turnbull scored 50, Lee Deller made 60 and their were runs too for Dean Morris with 35, Russell Etchells with 32 and Shah with 21. Shah later went on take 2-40 from eight overs while the other Belhus wicket to fall went to Chris Green, 1-45, also from eight overs.
May 06, 2007
Superb win for Belhus in Essex Sunday League
Southend on Sea 1st XI 214 for 5
Belhus 1st X1 218 for 5
On what was obviously a batsmen friendly track, Southend batted first and thanks to a fine 109 from Numan Khan and 53 from Chris Chambers they posted a decent 218. Best of the Belhus bowlers was Roy Heffernan with 2 for 47 off his 8 overs. Cliff Cansdale and Simon Ullathorne also took a wicket apiece. Belhus started well with another fine knock of 48 from Nick Marns, then the mercurial Brian Edwards returning from injury scored 45 in a partnership of 63 with Roy Heffernan who scored 31. This set the platform for young Michael Fogg to take the game away from Southend, Fogg scoring 38 not out. Thus a fine five wicket victory for Belhus. Khan again featured taking 4 for 20 off his 8 overs.
April 29, 2007
Martin Guilbert is one short of a Ton
BELHUS 244 all out
SHENFIELD 245-8
For the second consecutive week, the Belhus Sunday first eleven were involved in yet another tense, close finish. This week's instalment of high drama came in the shape of a forty overs-per-side Essex Sunday League (east division) fixture at Shenfield (on 29th April 2007). Shenfield won the toss and invited Belhus to bat. Martin Guilbert struck a fine 99, puting on 89 runs with Stuart Morris, who made 25. There were other useful contributions with the bat too. Richard Day scored 39, while Ryan Lucas made 12 and Chris Baker was left undefeated at the close with 13. For the home side, Tom Austin bowled superbly to finish with 5-27.
After tea, a strong Shenfield line-up set about their run chase. Both openers, John Walter and Martin Allen, both made 27, while Michael Maynard hit 28 and Ryan Lugg struck 30. Despite the best efforts of five Belhus bowlers, all of whom took at least one wicket, number nine batsman Salisbury struck a match-winning total of 36 not out to leave the home side victorious with just five balls remaining. Jack Kliber top scored for Shenfield with 42 while Cliff Cansdale took 3-39 from eight overs (one maiden), Guilbert capped a fine all-round game by taking 2-48 and there was a wicket apiece for Michael Cansdale (1-44), Roy Heffernan (1-38) and Jim Robertson (1-54).
April 22, 2007
BELHUS IN THRILLING TIE AT ABRIDGE
BELHUS 208-8
ABRIDGE 208-9
This astonishing 40-overs per side game at Abridge on Sunday ended in a thrilling tie after some tense cricket in the closing overs. After Belhus had dominated much of the game, a partnership of 109 for the seventh wicket from Coles and Horgan of the home side left the hosts requiring just 15 to win from the final three overs with three wickets in hand. The third ball of the 38th over was dispatched for six by number nine batsman James Middlebrook. A further two runs were scored to leave Abridge on 203-7 with twelve balls remaining. Then a super over from slow-medium bowler Roy Heffernan, operating from the brook end, sensationally bowled a wicket maiden as Middlebrook had his off stump re-arranged. So, the final over arrived, six runs required to win from six balls with two wickets to spare. Coles hits the first ball for two runs, then drove hard on the off-side. Heffernan dived to stop the ball and in doing so nearly pulled off a spectacular catch, but as the ball fell free, Coles and non-striker Cross attempted a single. Heffernan recovered and threw the wicket down at the wicketkeeper's end. Cross was short of his ground by several yards and Abridge were now 205-9, with an equation of four runs to win, three balls left. Last man Powell walked to the wicket. Powell was unable to score from the next three deliveries, so he needed a boundary from the last ball of the match. Every Belhus man, apart from the bowler and wicketkeeper, was on the boundary. Powell made contact and struck the ball to a largely unguarded area of the field at deep backward square leg. Three runs were scrambled and the game finished in a fair tie.
Earlier, opening Belhus batsman Heffernan struck twelve fours and one six in a fine 72, while number five batsman Ben Marns struck an undefeated 67 from just 47 deliveries. His knock included six fours and four sixes. Other Belhus batsmen in double figures were Mark Samson with 22 and Stuart Morris, 17. Cross was the most successful home bowler, with 3-18 from eight overs, which included one maiden. After tea, there was an impressive display of wicketkeeping from Sansom, while three Belhus bowlers took two wickets, James Robertson recorded 2-32 from eight overs, Chris Didd claimed 2-25 and Heffernan completed a fine all-round performance with 2-19. There was also a wicket apiece for Richard Waters and Paul Hall.
October 01, 2006
01/10/06: Goresbrook bring the final Curtain to the 2006 season
Belhus 203-3
Goresbrook 189-7
The final curtain came down on the 2006 season with an evenly matched but rain affected 30-overs per side game at North Stifford on Sunday. Danny Williamson struck a fine 105 in an innings lasting 103 minutes in which he faced 87 deliveries and struck 14 fours and two sixes, and putting on 175 for the second wicket with Kurt Whisker, who made 72. Williamson was eventually bowled by Nathan Honeyman with only three overs remaining, while Kurt Whisker was stumped by Michael Campbell-Jones off the impressive Ben Palmer. Palmer finished with 1-22 from six overs while Ian Wright finished with 1-25 from four overs and Honeyman 1-23 from five. After tea, Roy Heffernan struck a brisk 84 in 114 minutes from 68 deliveries and there was good support right down the order with Brian Edwards making 14, Ian Wright 16, Nathan Turner with 39 and Dave Gibson undefeated on a dozen as Belhus fell just a few runs short of their target. For the visitors, Michael Rooke took 3-26 from five overs (including one maiden), Lee Ramouff took 2-23 from four overs, while Tommy Puncher and Lawrence Walsh both finished with identical figures of 1-33 from five overs. After the game, there was a party atmosphere in the clubhouse, with Ian Wright kindly supplying a South African-style curry to everyone present.
September 24, 2006
Brian Edwards three short of ton in Herongate Runfest
Belhus 249-7
Herongate 250-6
Brian Edwards fell just three runs short of a century as he struck 14 fours and three sixes in his highest score of the season at Herongate in this Sabbeth runfest. Ian Wright was also back to top form with a fine 77 – he hit six sixes and the same number of fours. In fine support were Stuart Morris with 27 while Tony Udell and Barry Ruck chipped in with a dozen runs each. After tea, Palmer hit 88 until he succumbed to a fine catch in the deep by Udell, while Luthra made 64 to ensure a deserved home win for Herongate. At the start of the home innings, Paul Whitlock had taken two wickets in his first over, clean bowling a Herongate opener, then just a few balls later had Stack brilliantly caught by a diving Michael Cansdale at backward point. Unfortunately, like most other Belhus bowlers, Whitlock became the targat of savage hitting and finished with 2-51 from four overs. Ian Wright finished with 1-60 from 7.5 overs and young Ben Palmer returned 1-31 from four overs. The most economical visiting bowler by far was veteran Cliff Cansdale, who returned 2-20 from eight overs, which included the only maiden of the innings. Both his victims were caught, his first a second catch by son Michael on the mid-off boundary, followed by a later catch at mid-wicket by Bradley Sheridan.
September 17, 2006
Michael hits 81 but Belhus suffer
Eastwood 291-6
Belhus 155 all out
Belhus suffered a heavy defeat at Belfairs Park, Leigh on Sea on Sunday, despite another big innings from Michael Cansdale. He struck twelve fours and one six in a fine knock of 81 from 87 deliveries in 94 minutes. He shared a 77-run stand for the fifth wicket with young Ben Palmer, who was the visitor’s second highest scorer with 26. Palmer struck four boundaries before being caught at mid-off by Tom Harper off the bowling of Oliver Harp with 116 on the board. 22 runs and 14 deliveries later, Cansdale was on his way back to the pavilion too, falling to one of three outfield catches by Stuart Cousins. Cansdale was full of praise for Palmer, saying: “It was great batting with Ben, he was able to stay with me, he played correctly and is a great prospect for the future”. Unfortunately for Belhus, their only other batsman to reach double figures was opener Stuart Morris with 13. For Eastwood, Dave Barker bowled six maidens to finish with 2-5 from eight tidy overs while the home side also enjoyed the part-time casual labour of Steve Huckstepp who returned 3-30 from five overs. Ricky Graves and Ian Roake ended their spells with 2-28 and 2-34 respectively. Earlier, opener Chris Sutherby gave Eastwood a perfect start by scoring 102 from just 63 deliveries in 74 minutes, trading almost exclusively in boundaries with 21 fours and a six. Jon Price struck four sixes and two other boundaries until he was superbly caught by the ever-improving Terry Squires, running and diving forward from the mid-wicket boundary. Palmer completed a fine all-round performance with both bat and ball for Belhus as he took 2-36.
September 10, 2006
Cansdale strikes a treble top in Belhus draw
Belhus 258 all out
Rayleigh Fairview 158-5 (match drawn)
Seventeen year old Michael Cansdale continued his fine run of form with the bat with a fine 60 to follow his undefeated century the previous day. He put on 122 for the second wicket with Brian Edwards (57 runs) after the early loss of Ian Wright. Michael Campbell-Jones added weight to an excellent total from the visitors with 77. After the break, Rayleigh Fairview held on for the well deserved draw in fast fading light. The modest, unassuming youngster has certainly been in a rich vein of form over his past few matches. Originally introduced to first team cricket at the start of the 2005 season, principally as a spin bowler, he has gradually crept up the batting order and is in an amazing run of high scores. The previous Sunday, at home to Wickford he scored 77, then on Thursday he was a guest for Lowestoft Town CC in their match with Old Southendian and Southchurch CC when he made exactly 50. Saturday saw his maiden century, carrying his bat for 120 not out at South Loughton. He possibly spurned the chance of achieving back-to-back centuries by retiring on 60 at Rayleigh Fairview, saying that, as captain, he wanted to give a batting opportunity of some of the younger Belhus members in the team of a chance to bat.
June 04, 2006
Pritchard Century boosts Benfleet
BENFLEET 1st XI 220-6
BELHUS 1st XI 141-8
Belhus entertained Benfleet on Sunday afternoon at North Stifford with the visitors emerging victorious by 79 runs in this Essex Sunday League East divison fixture. After Benfleet had defeated near neighbours Pegasus and Corringham the previous week, Benfleet had another successful venture into Thurrock with Shaun Pritchard and David Wright on top form for the visitors with 102 and 66 respectively. A young Belhus team performed admirably after the break, with seventeen year old Michael Cansdale top scoring with 35, while Clarke Wren and Michael Fogg, who still qualify for the Belhus U15 team, added 23 and 15 respectively. Earlier, Belhus opener Ian Stanley had contributed a healthy 21 runs to the Belhus cause.
May 03, 2006
League match vs Shenfield
Belhus 225/4
Shenfield 163 all out
Belhus’ Sunday league side defeated Shephard Neame Shenfield by 63 runs after another impressive performance at the weekend.
Belhus made an impressive 225/4 off their 40 overs with big hitting Dave Gibson hitting 3 sixes on his way to 96 not out. A fine half century also came from Nick Marns (55) and suppoting roles from Brian Edwards (25 not out) and Martin Guilbert (25).
Shenfield in reply made just 163 with Campbell-Jones the pick of the bowlers with 3/25.
September 26, 2005
Heffernan's Magnificent Weekend Double
BELHUS 160-8
LORDSWOOD 161-1
Roy Heffernan will probably not want the season to end, despite being on the wrong end of a nine wicket victory for the home team at Lordswood on Sunday. To add to his half-century the previous day, Heffernan surpassed Saturday's score by notching 62 from 79 deliveries in 83 minutes at the crease. He struck six boundaries in all until he was bowled by Robert Ryan with the Belhus score on 112. Sadly, only three other batsmen managed to reach double figures on a fine batting surface. Mason Wren made 19, Michael Cansdale 13 while Lee Benson was undefeated on 26. For Lordswood, Robert Ryan finished with 3-21, Tom Davis and Andy Presland finished with 3-33 and 3-21 respectively. After tea, U15 England International player Lindon Lockhart opened the batting and promptly struck an undefeated 80 from the same number of deliveries. He struck seven boundaries and was content picking up runs at will. Neil Fairclough was undefeated on 33, while the only wicket to fall was when Lockhart's opening partner Matthew Iles was dismissed by a fine diving catch by Michael Cansdale at square-leg off the bowling of Cliff Cansdale (1-29) for 42.
August 30, 2005
Seaside Special for Belhus
Belhus ended their Sunday League campaign in fine style with a good win at Southchurch Park - the home of Old Southendians.
Belhus won the toss and elected to bat. They did not get away to a good start losing opener Martin Guilbert for just one. Fellow opener Nathan Turner (14) and Captain Nick Marns (11) soon followed and Belhus were struggling. Roy Heffernan made just 6 but Dave Gibson (21) and Chris Didd (44 including 7 fours and 1 six from 37 balls.) stopped the rot adding 75 for the fifth wicket. But when both they, Brian Edwards and Chris Baker all fell in quick succession, Belhus were back on the ropes at 140-8.
At this point Michael Cansdale was joined by Jim Robertson. Cansdale was playing nicely and Robertson gave him the support he needed. The pair posted an unbeaten partnership of 95 for the ninth wicket. Cansdale played exceptionally well hitting the ball cleanly, striking eight fours and one six on his way to score 54 not out from 50 balls faced. Robertson weighed in with a useful 31 not out from 34 balls with five boundaries as Belhus posted a competitive total of 235-8. Daniel Giles took 4 - 39 for the hosts.
Old Southendians made a steady if unspectacular start until Cansdale made an impact with the ball. He made the initial breakthrough and ended up with 3 - 23 from his allotted eight overs. Jim Robertson was miserly allowing just twelve runs from his eight overs while taking one wicket. Guilbert mopped up proceedings for Belhus with a quick three wicket burst and there were wickets too for Gibson and Campbell-Jones on his debut for the club. Extraordinarily the top score for the home side was extras with an astounding 70 ! Nearly fifty of these were wides in a total of 154 all out.
August 21, 2005
Kentish Thriller
BELHUS 1ST XI 222-7
HORTON KIRBY 1ST XI 220-6
Belhus emerged victorious by the slender margin of just two runs in this thrilling match at Horton Kirby on Sunday. Belhus had started rapidly through Nick Marns 47, who put on 76 for the second wicket with Gary Benson after the early departure of Roy Heffernan. Benson made a quick-fire 32 which included six fours in an innings lasting for 61 minutes with 41 balls faced. Nathan Turner then accelarated the Belhus score still further with a fine 63, after 84 minutes at the crease from 64 deliveries. He struck seven fours and one six. In supporting roles were acting skipper Jim Banner with 24 and Scott Bayford with 29. The home side's Bradley Bull came within an inch of achieving a good home victory - he finished with 82 not out. Leading wicket-taker for Belhus was Lee Benson with 3-78 while Scott Bayford and Cliff Cansdale took one wicket apiece. Belhus gave a first eleven debut to youngster Michael Fogg, who performed excellently behind the stumps.
August 01, 2005
Belhus clinch dramatic League Win
Pegasus and Corringham 1st XI 257-5
Belhus 1st XI 260 - 9
Belhus won a dramatic high scoring game at North Stifford with a thrilling last over victory with just one wicket remaining. This Essex Sunday League match (40 overs per side) proved to be very exciting encounter.
Pegasus won the toss and chose to bat and despite what was an initially damp pitch they scored well. Pick of the bunch was visiting skipper Darrell Hymas who played beautifully to make 114 from just 74 balls. There was good support throughout the Pegs card with Mark Sayers making 38 and Neil King with 30* being the pick of the bunch. The Belhus bowlers had to work hard as run scoring became easier as the pitch dried out. Chris Didd bowled well taking 1 for 44 from his allotted eight overs, including the dismissal of the dangerous Hymas, whose free flowing scoring threatened to post a Pegs total of 300 plus proportions. His dismissal dragged Belhus back into the game. Earlier spinners Ben Marns and Cliff Cansdale had taken a wicket a piece both with their respective first deliveries. Seamer Jim Robertson also bowled tidily on a high scoring afternoon, conceding just 28 from his 8 overs on a day where the opposition scored at over six an over.
So Belhus had a big ask to make the runs. Skipper Nick Marns opened the batting and set the tone with an aggressive 49. Chris Didd also kept the home side on track with a fine 53. Brian Edwards (33) was joined by Jim Robertson with Belhus still needing over seven an over with just four wickets remaining and the score on 180.
The pair batted well and the runs kept ticking along. Edwards was bowled by the impressive Hymas (3-40) but tail enders Ryan Lucas and Graeme Davidge supported Robertson well and the run chase continued. With three overs remaining 27 were still needed but a well struck six by Robertson kept the drama bubbling until the last over when seven runs were still needed with only one Belhus wicket remaining. The last pair veterans Robertson and number eleven Cliff Cansdale eked out five runs from three balls before Robertson, who ended up 43* from 33 balls faced, hit the decisive boundary through mid-wicket to seal a fine win.