Westcliff climbed to the top of division one with a fantastic victory over previous leaders Orsett -- and with five games left they are hoping to shake off the disappointment of the past two years.

Twice now the team have come close to promotion only to falter at the last, but after a strong run to lift themselves from midtable to the summit they are hoping to deliver this time.

"We're just looking to build on a great six weeks," said vice-captain Jon Pratt. "The skipper is back next week and hopefully we can draw on the experience of the last two seasons and get it right this time."

After inserting the visitors, Westcliff did well to restrict Orsett to 251-5 in good batting conditions. Kevin Sargeant managed an unbeaten 52, while Nick Cooper took 2-41 to ensure the target was attainable.

And, thanks to an imposing 96 from Chris Williams, Westcliff got there with two overs to spare.

Williams shared a partnership of 76 with Vince Bird (66 not out), who went on to add another 66 with Steve Bridgman (33).

"It was finely poised when we needed another 120 from the last 20 overs," added Pratt. "Then we had some really good overs and got ourselves ahead of the clock.

"We got it down to five-an-over and we were okay from then on."

Published Monday, August 4, 2003

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