DIVISION TWO: Billericay’s match with Thurrock rivals Belhus is a ‘winner takes all’ encounter according to captain Dave Houghton.

Third-placed Billericay have enjoyed an impressive start to the season and are keeping the pace with Belhus and Fives & Heronians at the top of the standings with six wins from their eight games.

But Belhus are the side setting the pace, with brothers Joe and Dan Joyce lighting up the league with some sparkling performances at the top of the order.

Joe Joyce has scored more than 170 runs more than any other batsman in the Shepherd Neame leagues so far this season, averaging 126, and Houghton says his wicket is crucial.

“This is a massive game,” he said.

“We have gone pretty well at home against them the past couple of seasons. In saying that, they have beaten us at their place the last two times as well.

“The Joyce brothers are obviously key wickets. I am hoping their run of 10 wicket wins might be a hindrance this weekend as they might have an untested middle order that haven't had much time in the middle this season.

“It really is a winner takes all game,” he continued, “with the potential for us to go top or perhaps fall off the pace slightly if it doesn't go our way.”

Leigh-on-Sea visit struggling Stanford-le-Hope as they look to continue their good recent form and not slip off the pace set by the top three.

Dean Waller, who has missed the last two matches through injury, watched his side chalk up a narrow win over Gidea Park & Romford last weekend.

And he will be sure to want another win against the side searching for their first win of the season.

Stanford are now 41 points off safety and are look resigned to a speedy return to division three unless results change.

Wickford will be hoping for a change in their fortunes after back-to-back defeats saw them slip off the pace at the top.

John Pratt’s side are 44 points off the promotion places, having been relegated last year, and will be confident of taking the points against basement side Ardleigh Green.

Horndon-on-the-Hill visit Gidea Park and Romford, as they look to put some daylight between themselves and their opponents who are only six points behind them.

Horndon are enjoying an improved season after a difficult campaign last year.