AN inspired Old Southendian & Southchurch romped to a superb 100 run win over division favourites Belhus, as they lost their first match of the season.

David Johnson hit a remarkable 82 from just 25 balls, while Max Craddock (87) and captain Aaron Lucas (76) put together a third-wicket stand of 153, as they closed on 294-9 in their 50 overs.

Lucas described Johnson’s knock as ‘ridiculous, with the Australian’s first six scoring shots all going for six, and said it was pleasing to see Johnson hit a score he had been threatening for while.

“It was ridiculous hitting,” he said. “It was an outstanding innings and he has been threatening to do it for a while.

“He came over as an opener and has been getting decent scores but this was remarkable. I dropped him to number five so he could build from a platform. We were 20-2 and Max Craddock and I put on a great partnership and lay the foundations for Dave to do what he did in the last 15 overs.

“Chairman Chris Bunce said it was one of the most brutal knocks he had ever seen.

“Although 294 is a good score I never thought the game was won, especially against such a good team and on a good pitch.

“Bunce and Sam Hodgson bowled 10 overs in the middle spell which dragged us towards the victory and I was delighted.”

Belhus had made an impressive start to their reply, with Ryan Wells (56) and Danny Joyce (59) both making half-centuries for the Shepherd Neame Division Two table-toppers.

But after their dismissals there was very little resistance from Belhus, with Roy Heffernan (24) and Martin Guilbert (13) the only others to reach double figures, closing on 194, 100 runs shy of the target.

Michael Bunce (3-47) and Sam Hodgson (3-48) were the pick of the bowlers with Adam Rendall taking 2-30 and Matt Austin 1-34 for the Old Boys at Garon Park.

The result leaves Belhus 23 points clear at the top, as they continue their promotion push.

It was a successful weekend for Leigh-on-Sea as well as they recorded just their second victory of the season at high-flying Gidea Park & Romford.

Having elected to bat, Leigh scored 192, with Jon Edwards (43) and Joe Sexton (42) top scoring in what was a respectable score in the conditions.

Gidea Park started slowly, with opener Zisan Abedin going for a fifth-ball duck, although Jamal Francis (24) and James Peagram (35) did score.

The target was reduced to 173 after a rain delay and the hosts looked set to get there, with Shawn Findlay (71 not out) alongside number 11 Charlie Haddon with the score at 171.

But Paddy Groves dispatched the last man with his first ball to secure the win, as he ended with figures of 4-38.

Dan Cocking’s 3-35 was also crucial for Leigh.

Wickford were comprehensively beaten by Hainault & Clayhall, going down by 124 runs.

The visitors’ Ryan Hurst bludgeoned 102 from 86 deliveries, while Irfan Shah (60) was also a key contributor as they reached 290.

But no Wickford batsmen scored heavily, with Charlie Phillippe (37), David Cole (24) and Jamie Went (26 not out) the most impressive.

A batting collapse put paid to Horndon-on-the-Hill’s chances of victory against mid-table rivals Hutton.

Having won the toss and elected to field, Horndon got off to a strong start with Hutton four wickets down with 50 runs on the board.

Ryan Madder took 4-33 in an excellent bowling spell, while Stephen Edwards’ 3-44 was also key.

With Hutton all out for 143 in 48.4 overs, Horndon would have fancied their chances albeit in damp conditions but they got off to a nightmare start.

Both openers, Tom Stone and Connor Price, went for ducks before Damien Sweet (25) and Gary Ginsburgh (22) settled the innings but that was as good as it got for Horndon as their middle and lower order was decimated.

Only 11 runs were scored by the final six batsmen as Horndon collapsed to 90 all out in just 27.1 overs.