At Lord’s last week, Ben Stokes had a remarkably quiet outing for England, neither bowling nor batting and taking just one catch – to dismiss Curtis Campher – in his side’s 10-wicket win.
In the Voneus Village Cup on Sunday (June 4), Joe Joyce’s day couldn’t have been more different.
The Belhus skipper managed to get himself on both the batting and bowling honours boards, scoring 117 not out off 123 balls at No.3 to help his side set Bentley a target of 284 before taking 5 for 47 to secure a 31-run victory.
His monster knock included a 242-run second-wicket stand with his brother, and fellow centurion, Danny (112) while with the ball, he was integral in Bentley’s collapse from 197 for 2 from 252 all out.
Voneus Village Cup player of the round
Preliminary round: Jonty Oliver (Hambledon)
Round one: Zak Rogers (Barrow)
Round two: Louis Storey (West Chiltington & Thakeham)
Round three: Joe Thompson (Congresbury)
Round four: Joe Joyce (Belhus)
Commenting on his performance, Joyce said: “It was a hard match against a very tough opponent in Bentley and we were glad to be on the winning side of it. Thanks to Bentley for their hospitality.
“We are proud to finally win the South Essex title as I think it’s our third or fourth attempt to get it done. We’re looking forward to another challenge in Woolpit in a couple of weeks’ time and hopefully I can put on a similar performance to try and get further in the competition.
“Special mention to my brother, Danny, for scoring a century too – it’s the first time in Belhus’ history that brothers have scored centuries in the same innings so to do that was a lovely moment.
“Fingers crossed I can keep putting in performances for the rest of the competition.”
Belhus will travel to Woolpit on June 18 with the winner hosting either Stoke Green or Ashmanhaugh & Barton Wanderers in the last 16.
Keep up to date with the Voneus Village Cup by following the competition on Twitter (@TheCricketerNVC) and Instagram (@villagecup)
