BILLERICAY will play division one cricket next season after a five wicket win over Horndon-on-the-Hill on Saturday.

Dave Houghton’s side ripped through the Horndon batting line-up, dismissing them for 100 runs before Chris Tait’s 51 not out helped ease them over the line and send them up.

Phil Reynolds five wicket haul for the loss of just 23 runs were the best figures for the hosts.

However, the league title is still up for grabs, with Fives & Heronians 12 points ahead in the standings. Should they slip up on the final day, a Billericay win at Belhus would see them take the title.

And Houghton said the team were looking forward to next season, following a night of celebrations on Saturday.

“We bowled brilliantly,” he said. “Everyone stood up and it was more a case of chasing the runs down in time before the rain came which we thankfully did thanks to CJ (Chris Tait).

“It was a brilliant day for the club and a good night of celebrations. Everyone is already looking forward to next seasons challenge.”

Belhus had earlier kept the pace just behind Billericay, as they eased to a five wicket win over Wickford.

Joe Joyce’s 103 helped Belhus respond to Wickford’s total, who made 189 in 45 overs.

Wickford struggled at the start of their innings, with the opening four batsmen going cheaply.

Daniel Pryke (57) provided some much-needed support in the middle order, with Andy Baker (18) and Jamie Went (20) adding good knocks at the end of the order.

Danny Norris and Gary Sanderson took three wickets each before Belhus came in and took the game away from the hosts.

Billy Winter’s 39 not out best supported Joyce, as Belhus surpassed the total for the loss of only five wickets.

Reece Pinchback (2-47) and Jamie Went (2-61) did the damage.

Stanford-le-Hope’s relegation was confirmed after their game with Harlow Town was abandoned.

Stanford had made 144 in 41 overs before the rains came. Harlow made 34-0 in eight overs in their reply before the game was stopped.

This condemned the hosts to a swift return to division three, as they trail by 33 points with just one game to go.

Leigh-on-Sea’s match with Gidea Park & Romford was also abandoned. Gidea Park went into bat first and made 239-8 in their innings.

Alex Camp’s 3-70 was the best figures, while Leigh never got into bat as the rain fell at tea.