Ballard’s boys lead title race

FIVES recorded a vital win over Leigh-on-Sea to keep their noses in front of Loughton in the race for the Division Two title.

With growing pressure from Mike Hughes’ side as well as having to deal with a late surge from rivals Walthamstow, Terry Ballard’s men could not have delivered at a better time.

The visitors picked up the bats first and thanks to a fine innings from Tim Knox (82) managed to creep up towards the 200 run mark.

But it was the combined efforts of Carlos Remy (4-50), Chris White (3-28) and John Kay (3-65) that made the difference for Fives and ensured their batsmen faced as easier a task as possible in the chase.

Remy, not content with letting the other batsmen take the glory, went about knocking the runs off himself.

His classy knock of 64 capped an outstanding all-round display, while Dan Stevens hit an unbeaten half-century at the other end to guide the team over the line.

The win maintains Fives' eight-point lead over Loughton at the top with just three games left to play and Ballard knows they are entering a crunch period.

“It was a good win for us last week and we need to keep doing what we’re doing if we want to gain promotion,” said the skipper.

“Everyone else is winning as well so it’s going to be a big few games for us.

“Before we start thinking about the title we need to guarantee promotion first.

“It only takes one mistake from one of the top three and that opens the door for someone else.”

For more details about Fives and Heronians: fivesandheronianscc.hitscricket.com