STANFORD-le-Hope 1st XI ended the cricket season on a high as they beat Leigh-on-Sea by five wickets in an entertaining encounter at Grove Road.

After not expecting to play any cricket at all because of Covid-19 a shortened season made up of regional leagues got under way at the start of July. Facing opposition from higher divisions in the Shepherd Neame Essex League 1st Tier 'Cook' Division Stanford competed well and came close to victory on a number of occasions.

On Saturday it finally all came together with a win which featured strong performances from two of the youngest members of the squad. 18-year-old Michael Edwards picked up four for 27 off six overs as Leigh finished on 220 for nine. Jack Wagstaff (89) and Harry Slack (60) were the mainstays of Leigh's innings.

After the break Stanford got off to a quick start tucking into some loose bowling from Leigh's openers. At 49 for two Orrie Fernandes came to the crease and alongside 17-year-old all-rounder Michael Pearn set about dispatching the Leigh attack on the way to a match-winning 93.

Pearn finished on 43 not out adding to an impressive tally of performances including an unbeaten 95 in an earlier fixture against Wickford. Pearn ended the season with 242 runs from eight innings at an average of 40 to add to his eight wickets and five catches.

Skipper Adam Knight said: "What a day. What a way to end the season. We've faced some stiff opposition this year but not once have we looked out of our depth with everyone contributing to the cause.

"A special mention must go to the two Michaels. They've been superb and all is looking positive for next season when, hopefully, we can get through a full set of fixtures and work to move out of Division Three. We may not have won many but I think I speak on behalf of the team when I say we all had a nice time."

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