Wickford moved closer to a second successive promotion after going on a run spree in this drawn game with one of their main Division One rivals.
With only four games to go, and lowly Harlow due to visit the Patmore Ground next Saturday, last season's Division Two champs are 20 points plus clear of nearest rivals Hornchurch and Brentwood, and it would take a brave man to bet against them playing Premier cricket next term.
A major reason for Wickford's superb season has been the batting form of Kim Beazleigh.
After an early run of scores in the 70s, Beazleigh has been on the ton trail a number of times in recent weeks and surpassed all his previous efforts with a magnificent 162 here.
In fact he and skipper Matthew Bate, who hit 106, broke the club record for a second wicket partnership with a stand of 275 that made certain that plenty of batting points came the way of the visitors.
With Hornchurch needing desperately to close the gap at the top, Wickford were a little surprised when their hosts, after winning the toss, put them in.
Beazleigh and Bate soon took advantage against a speedy home attack which included a home South African star whose efforts have been timed at more than 90mph.
Hornchurch's hopes of getting close to the Wickford total were always unlikely when they lost the Rollins brothers early on to stand at 10-2.
Former Essex man Robert went first ball when Andy Baker had him caught by a superb one-handed effort from Mark Goddard.
Then Baker himself did well to hold onto Adrian's well-struck effort off the bowling of Jamie Went.
Published Monday August 9, 2004
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