Billingshurst all set for top of the table Stirlands clash

Billingshurst continued their title surge as they made it six wins in a row with a five-wicket defeat of Bognor Regis.
Confident mood. Billingshurst skipper Ben WilliamsConfident mood. Billingshurst skipper Ben Williams
Confident mood. Billingshurst skipper Ben Williams

Billingshurst won the toss electing to bowl and Andy Barr made use of the cloudy conditions removing both the openers early on, whilst Kelly Russell bowled well from the other end for no reward as a few catches went down.

Star Sri Lankan Dhanushka Mitipolaarachchi then came on and took control of the game. His 6-27 off 19 overs - along with consistent bowling from Jon Alexander - reduced the visitors to 151 all out with resistance from Luke Seward with 63.

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In reply, three wickets from Josh Broad caused Billingshurst some worry at 60-3. However a great partnership between Mike Burroughs (40) and Sam Goodway (41 not out) secured victory and the top spot still to set up a vital clash with Stirlands next weekend.

Billingshurst skipper Ben Williams said: “I was pleased with the overall performance again. We’re really starting to string together some good consistent performances. Sam And Mike in particular showed some guts to get us through at a pivotal situation.”

Billingshurst have a 15-point gap over second-placed Stirlands and both are starting to pull away from the chasing pack. Looking ahead to their crunch meeting this Saturday Williams believes it could well be decided by either side’s star player.

“It’s going to be a tough game next week away to Stirlands, however we feel there’s no pressure on us going into the game as we have the 15 point advantage,” he said.

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“Also, if we continue to play like we have been, then I feel we can win the game. Both teams have a key player, there’s being Sean Heather and ours being Dhanushka.

“It will be a good showdown between those two on the day but I feel we have more depth and team spirit to help us beat them.”