The Hornchurch skipper continued his rich vein of form to help his side achieve more success
A 123-run partnership between captain Roy Smith and Paul Walter ensured a ninth Essex League Division One triumph of the campaign for Hornchurch last weekend.
The Harrow Lodge Park outfit travelled to Shenfield and ran out winners by 44 runs after an impressive performance from their skipper.
Smith struck 91 from 85 balls to inspire the victory, while Walter hit 69 off 73 as Hornchurch were bowled out for 293 just before the end of their innings.
Hornchurch’s captain said: “It has become a bit of a habit me and Paul batting together and whenever we walk out and see each other we have a little smile.
“We enjoy it and we are both batting well at the moment. I love scoring runs and it is nice to be in a bit of nick going into the business end of the season when you have trophies to play for.”
The league leaders were confident at the halfway point, but 84 from Byron Wyngard appeared to give Shenfield a chance of chasing 294.
Marc Whitlock (2-48) was able to dismiss him and Ollie Ekers (43), though, and Max Osborne ran through the tail taking 3-54 from his 7.3 overs.
Hornchurch’s fielding impressed their captain too and he was full of praise for the whole side after they bowled Shenfield out for 249.
Smith added: “Marc took two wickets and got the big South African left-hander for 80 with Myles Wells taking a good catch. That sort of changed the game really because when he was there they were in the hunt.
“Max has got the experience of playing at a higher level and it was a flat wicket. I brought him back on and he finished the job for us.
“We fielded absolutely fantastically too, all the catches were excellent and the standard in the field was good.”
After scoring 69 against Shenfield, Walter received more good news when he was selected to play for Essex’s second team today (Tuesday) in a match against Club Cricket Conference at Billericay. He scored 36 for Essex as they posted 324-9 from their 50 overs.
Hornchurch’s captain tipped Walter to play for Essex’s second team all the way back in May and he is delighted the hard work of the 20-year-old hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Smith added: “A lot of people think talk is cheap when you mention some players, but I thought the potential was always there with Paul.
“His attributes are so rare and I am pleased he has put the hard work in and got the runs he has this year. He has been given a chance by Essex and now it is down to him to take it.”
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