LEIGH fired themselves to a first win of the season after a six-wicket victory at derby rivals Westcliff.

The visitors lost the toss at Chalkwell Park and newly promoted Westcliff elected to bat, scoring 177 off 48.3 overs with Adam Pickering (78) top scoring with the bat.

However, Leigh chased down the score with ease, surpassing the target with only 30 overs on the board.

Captain Dean Waller ended the match on 45 not out and he was ably supported by Al Lawrence (41) and Stuart Elliott (38) as Leigh closed on 178-4.

Sean Elliott had the best bowling figures, with 6-78 and Joe Sexton was also amongst the wickets, claiming three Westcliff batsmen.

Skipper Waller said: “It was a very accomplished performance from the team from top to bottom.

“We knew we had to come out firing after a rain washed first weekend but the boys did exactly what I asked of them.”

Billericay were also winners on the day, although the win was only secured in the last over against West Essex.

Billericay chose to bowl and bowled out their opponents in the 49th over for 189 before stepping up to bat. Paul Walter did the damage, scoring 54.

With nine men down Billericay were in for a tense final half hour but just reached their target, with four balls to spare and Greg Hammond hitting the winning runs.

Captain Stewart Rutland said his side showed “great character”.

Horndon-on-the-Hill suffered their first defeat of the season, going down to neighbours Orsett.

Having declared on 210-9, Horndon would have been confident of securing a win but Orsett came out firing and reached the target with only 41 overs on the board, ending the day on 213-4.