HADLEIGH & Thundersley’s David Williams says momentum is crucial after winning their first match of the season to down rivals Billericay in the Shepherd Neame Essex League Premier Division.

Hadleigh were 101 run winners at John Burrows Park, despite losing the toss and being put into bat first.

But top knocks from Adam Soilleux and Luke Smith (both 60) took the hosts to 228/9.

And a superbly frugal bowling display dismissed Billericay for just 127.

“I think all the boys were really pleased with getting our first win of the season,” said press officer Williams. “It keeps us in touch of the other teams fighting near the bottom of the table.

“If you look at the first four weeks of the season it was our batting that was letting us down, so what is most pleasing - I would say - is the fact that we showed we are capable of batting for long periods and setting a competitive total.

“We got off to a good start with the ball and, whereas in recent weeks we haven’t quite been ruthless enough and have let the opposition off the hook, we held our catches and bowled very well, wrapping up the win and 25 points.

“We now need to build some momentum going into next week, as a run of results will push us up the table. The confidence, in fairness, has always been there and we knew this result would come. We just need to get some consistency.”

David Houghton (46) top scored for Billericay.

Haider Ali Syed Zaidi took 4-46 and Richard Revell 3-26.