SHEPHERD NEAME DIVISION TWO: Billericay will be looking to get the better of rivals Wickford this weekend as they bid to cement a place in the top two.

Dave Houghton’s side slipped up last weekend against league leaders Fives & Heronians to miss the chance to move into top spot.

But the Kiwi has backed his side to bounce back after the disappointment of last Saturday.

“It is a massive game for us,” he said. “Not only in the sense of redeeming ourselves after last week’s batting performance but to get back on track in our promotion push. It’s always a flat track at home, so hopefully our bowling depth will be a key difference come the end of the match.

“Our win in the time match against Wickford really kickstarted our season, so hopefully a win on Saturday will get it back on the right course.”

Leigh-on-Sea host Harlow Town as they aim to get back in the promotion hunt with maximum points.

Defeat against bottom-placed Ardleigh Green last weekend left Leigh 39 points off second-placed Billericay and captain Dean Waller will now allow for a repeat performance.

Stanford-le-Hope’s chances of remaining in the division look slim as they have failed to win in any of their 12 games so far.

They are rock bottom, although a couple of wins could see them to safety, and face third-placed Belhus tomorrow.

Horndon-on-the-Hill take on Ardleigh Green, with Horndon looking to pull away from the bottom-half of the table.

Seventh-placed Horndon are 26 points below the side above them and only two places above the drop zone so will be looking for a timely boost against struggling Green.