Captain praises duo after clinching title

Hornchurch captain Roy Smith hailed the contributions of opener Paul Murray and spinner Chamikara Mudalige after they helped defeat Horndon by six wickets to secure the Essex League Division Two title on Saturday.

Mudalige took five wickets to bowl Horndon out for 194 and a century from Murray ensured Hornchurch eased to victory.

Smith praised the duo, saying: “Murray’s century was superb, the best knock this year from him. The wicket wasn’t easy and they bowled well.

“Chamikara got five wickets again, he is so good and has so much experience and I knew if I could get him to Hornchurch he would do well.

“He has played over 120 first class matches in Sri Lanka and played with Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara, you can’t buy that experience.”

The seconds lost by five wickets to Hadleigh after being bowled out for 166.

Dean Skipper hit 79 of Hornchurch’s runs, but despite George Green (2-26) and Ed Warren (2-44) making inroads, Hadleigh secured a comfortable win.

The thirds drew at Harold Wood, who amassed 284-5 from 50 overs thanks to Tony Carman (67) and Lee Abbott (54).

Sam Brooks (3-46) was the pick of Hornchurch’s bowling, while Simon Rowe (76) top scored in their 212-7.

Half-centuries from Abul Hasnat (77) and Imran Khan (54 not out) helped the fourths chase down 191 in quick time to beat Orsett by seven wickets.

But the fifths slumped to 48 all out against Hadleigh fourths, after Dave Kiff (4-60) bowled a marathon 23-over spell to help dismiss the visitors for 130.

Six Hornchurch batsmen failed to trouble the scorers in reply.