A superb record-breaking unbeaten knock of 204 from Aussie star Kim Beazleigh confirmed Wickford as champions of the Shepherd and Neame Essex League First Division.

It is a second successive promotion as title holders for Matthew Bate's men following on from their collecting the Division Two title last term.

Right from the start of their innings Wickford's major concern was picking up enough points to confirm their championship success and Beazleigh, opening the innings with skipper Bate in the absence of Ian Letch, did not let them down.

Beazleigh has been in phenomenal form with the bat this term and has twice now created a new league individual record for the club. His league total for the season is well above the 1,300 mark.

Beazleigh was Wickford's overseas player last season, but he qualified domestically this term and that allowed Wickford to bring in Greg Ricketts, from South Africa.

Once Bate himself had gone for 50 here, Ricketts helped Beazleigh along on the batting front with a 30 plus unbeaten score which kept the runs flowing as Wickford made their 293 for the loss of just one wicket in 38 overs.

Opponents Walthamstow managed 201-8 in their reply to pick up four points in their fight to avoid the drop, but the 11 Wickford obtained were enough to see them as champs.

Published Monday August 30, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo