Hornchurch skipper satisfied with Wells win
Hornchurch captain Roy Smith (L) applauds his team (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO) - Credit: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO
Roy Smith reflects on victory against Woodford Wells and recent run of form in the league
Hornchurch slumped to 20-3 chasing 253 against Woodford Wells on Saturday, but captain Roy Smith was always confident his side would triumph.
That belief was rewarded as the Division One leaders flexed their muscles to earn a five-wicket win with 45 balls remaining.
Smith had a big hand in the victory as he struck 84 off 70 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, to lead his team home.
He also lauded the innings of Paul Walter (58) and Michael Bones (48), the latter in particular, after they steadied the ship with a fourth-wicket partnership of 88.
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“It was a tricky time going out there and once again we was 20-odd for three, but I had faith in the players that we could chase 253 down,” said Smith.
“I am in a good bit of form myself so it was a case of stepping up as captain and hanging in there, try to get as many as I can.
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“We had ‘Bonesy’ out there, who batted superbly at an important time and Paul did well too and ‘Maxy’ come in at the end and finished 32 not out.”
The triumph ensured Hornchurch had achieved a clean sweep in Division One recently by beating second, third and fourth in consecutive weeks.
On July 4 they defeated second placed Southend-on-Sea by 36-runs and the following weekend, third in the table Shenfield fell to a similar loss - this time by 44-runs.
Fourth placed Woodford Wells were the next obstacle, but Hornchurch were able to romp home in the end at Harrow Lodge Park.
Smith added: “They are a good team Woodford Wells and it is pleasing because three weeks in a row we have done second, third and fourth so very happy.
“It was a modest total that Wells got, we have a quick outfield here and it was a hot day.
“We have bowled better, but you can’t bowl and field your best every week but we batted well and that got us over the line.”
Next up for Hornchurch is a trip to face Hadleigh & Thundersley on Saturday.
