THE Trevor Bailey Shield competition is quite prestigious in Essex youth cricket and Belhus CC U16s have got off to a flying start at North Stifford Village Green with a 134 run win against local rivals, Orsett & Thurrock CC on Sunday 4th July.

Belhus CC u16 coaches Ryan Wells and Daryl Millard had their charges at the ground early to prepare in advance of the arrival of their visitors from across town. This u16 game was not a fixture that the home team were prepared to countenance anything other than victory.

Opening the batting for Belhus were the Blake Brothers. These two talented youngsters ran up an impressive partnership of 115 runs before the William Edward's School double act of Overy and Healy knocked out a rapid 85 additional runs for the home team. The visitors gave up a further 63 extras to leave Orsett & Thurrock with 278 to make up in the run chase.

On the turnaround, Orsett & Thurrock put up a spirited fightback at the crease with former District players Brazier, Green and Solanki making decent run totals of 32, 26 and 21 respectively.

Belhus CC, however, were pretty sharp in the field, giving up just 25 extras in contrast to the visitors 63. Sammy Fairweather took four wickets with Tyler Robertson and Charlotte Waters a brace apiece and Brandon Millard, the final one.

Orsett and Thurrock finished on 144 runs, all out, after 31 overs.

Belhus CC u16 travel to Bishop Stortford next Sunday 11th July for what should be a most intriguing Trevor Bailey Shield tie.