Phoenix Sport
John Chubb
In Football it was day of celebration for Hornchurch, who capped an outstanding season by clinching the Isthmian Premier League title and promotion to the National League South, with a 2-1 win at home to second placed Chatham Town.
Romford of the Essex Senior League were also celebrating, as they now have a day out at Wembley next month having reached the final of the FA Vase for the first time.
Having drawn 2-2 with Lincoln United in the first leg at Rookery Hill last weekend, Boro travelled north for the second leg, and held their hosts to a goalless draw.
So the tie was decided on penalties, and an epic shootout was won 10-9 by the visitors, substitute Jamie Hursit netting the decisive kick.
It could still be an all-Essex final, as Great Wakering Rovers lost 1-0 at Worcester City in the other semi-final, but this was the rearranged first leg and the two sides will meet again at Rovers’ Burroughs Park home this coming Saturday.
In our two featured matches on the show, Leyton Orient returned to winning ways in EFL League One with a 3-1 win against struggling Cheltenham Town at Brisbane Road, whilst Dagenham & Redbridge slipped to a 3-2 defeat at Woking in the National League.
The County Cricket season is also underway, and Essex have travelled to Trent Bridge to take on Nottinghamshire in their opening 2024 league fixture.
An eventful second day’s play ended with Essex leading their hosts by 25 runs, thanks in part to their bowler Sam Cook taking a hat-trick.
