OPENERS Martin Leslie (72) and Michael Gray (55) set Stanford on the path to a 123-run win over Epping.

And Jack Carter adding a valuable 52 in the middle order for Stanford in the SNEL Division Three clash.

The hosts were bowled out for 229 in 49.5 overs, with Javed Iqbal (3-34) and Yasin Vadasaria (2-46) faring best with the ball.

Jack Carter’s 5-22, which included three maidens in his 10-over spell, help restrict Epping to 106 all out in 36 overs in reply.

Adam Knight took 2-14 as only Ramiz Miah (32) and Tapan Patel (31) offered any resistance.

“It was a fantastic start for us and was the first time this season that the openers have put on a 100,” said Stanford skipper Matthew Page.

“Everyone was confident that it would come together and it would click with the bat, and this week it did.

“I always back our bowlers to do the job and young Jack had a great game.

“He really bowled well and also showed great maturity to get the best from the conditions. I was happy all round after the game.”

Stanford will be looking to step up their bid to make a swift return to Division Two when they visit seventh-placed Woodford Green on Saturday.

"We have put a bit of a marker down and now we just have to keep going," Page said.

"If the batsmen start playing well then we will win more games than we lose, because our bowling is so good.

"I'm happy with how it's going and it's been a good season so far."