Skipper Roy Smith reflects on hundred that secured a place in the last four of the League Cup last weekend

Hornchurch captain Roy Smith admitted it was a great feeling to score a century on Sunday at Billericay and guide his team into the Essex League Dukes League Cup semi-finals.

The Division One leaders restricted the hosts to 227-7 from their 45 overs before knocking them off for the loss of just five wickets.

Smith struck 107 to see Hornchurch home with three overs to spare and keep them on course to win the treble.

Max Osborne (3-42) impressed for the Division One outfit in the field, but they could have kept Billericay’s total down.

“It is a nice ground with a big outfield and a good wicket,” said Smith. “We had a couple of guys missing from the Saturday team, but we restricted them to 227.

“We didn’t bowl the best we have, but they did bat well and their skipper David Houghton played superbly for his ton and he got them up to that score.

“I think we could have kept them to under 200 otherwise, but we did well in the end.”

Hornchurch would always have been confident of chasing down their target, but were struggling at 42-3 when Smith came to the crease.

Paul Walter (23) was able to hang around with his skipper for a little while before Osborne (22) and Michael Bones 20 not out made valuable contributions.

It was a great feeling for Smith to walk off having led his team to victory and the last four of the competition, he said: “It was like Groundhog Day walking out there again.

“It is all about the team, though, and everyone can’t do it every week. Some of the boys started the season flying and now it is other peoples turn to score the runs.

“Last few weeks it has been me and Paul, but I am sure Ronnie, Billy, Jamie and Michael Bones will all be scoring too.

“I must admit it was pleasing to get a century. You get a situation like that, and I prefer it actually because I get to dig in.

“I don’t mind the pressure, it doesn’t bother me. It was great to get us over the line for the win and show I have still got it.”

Smith certainly hasn’t lost his touch with 387 runs coming from his last five innings in all competitions and he’ll aim to continue that form this weekend.