SOUTHEND & EMT skipper Joe Robbins was a happy man after leading his side to their first Division One victory of the season on Saturday.

The Seasiders saw off Hainault & Clayhall by two wickets in an even encounter.

And Robbins was thrilled to come out of top.

“It was a really good win for us and one we were all really happy about,” said Robbins.

“We had to chase down their total and it was a brilliant knock from Sam Rowe which helped with that.

“He scored 88 and once he got going he was striking the ball sweetly.

“It was brilliant to watch and now we want to go and build on this win.”

Hainault batted first after winning the toss and scored 218 all out.

Michael Gridley was the pick of Southend’s bowlers as he took 4-85, while Robbins chipped in with 3-47. Rowe then took centre stage with the bat, scoring 88 and was ably assisted by Robbins who hit 63.

Wickford were also nearly celebrating victory against Colchester & East Essex but the visitors’ stubborn last wicket partnership kept them at bay.

Wickford made 209-8 with opener Matthew Nobes top-scoring with 57.

Liam Rouse hit 41 and Chirag Desai 32 not out before Colchester ended on 175-9. Wickford dropped a catch late on which would have won them the game. And captain Andy Baker was left feeling frustrated at the close of play.

“We should really have won the game,” said Baker.

“A catch went down, which wasn’t particularly difficult, but nobody drops them on purpose and there were still some real positives out there for us.

“Colchester are a strong side and we did well but after the frustration of the rain the week before we’ve dropped some points and need to get a win as soon as we can now.”

Wickford take on Hadleigh & Thundersley on Saturday and Hadleigh will head into that game on the back of a five-wicket defeat against Buckhurst Hill.

Hadleigh were bowled out for 137 with Adam Soilleux top-scoring with 60 before Buckhurst Hill passed that total for the loss of five wickets.

Kellon Carmichael was the best of the bowlers with 3-45.