HADLEIGH & Thundersley secured a three wicket win against high-flying Hutton.

After being put in to bat, hosts Hutton made 203/9 in their 50 overs.

But Hadleigh reached the required target for the loss of seven wickets.

And that delighted their bowler Dave Williams. “It was a pleasing performance and a good start to these 50 over a side games,” said Williams.

“They got off to a bit of a flyer with 80 odd without loss after 15 overs.

“But Kellon Carmichael, our overseas player, and Adam Soilleux both bowled really well to peg them back with Kellon getting the big wicket of their overseas player.

“The pitch was flat and to keep them down to 203 off their 50 overs was a great effort and we were confident in chasing down the score.

“Adam Soilleux batted superbly and with solid knocks from Harry Calloway (29) Paul Tibbenham (27) and a quick fire 21 from balls from Richard Revell saw us home with two overs to spare which we were all really pleased.”

Kellon Carmichael took four wickets for 36 runs while Soilleux took 3-25.

Soilleux then also led the way with the bat, scoring 78 not out to help Hadleigh secure another victory to move them up to fourth in the Division One table.

Hadleigh remain one place behind Southend & EMT after they also won at the weekend, beating Woodford Wells by an emphatic nine wickets.

Woodford were bowled out for just 82, with Southend skipper Joe Robbins taking four wickets for 25 runs while John Horne also chipped in with 3-20.

In reply, Southend made it home for the loss of just one wicket with opener Oliver Wagstaff top scoring with 54 not out.

Wickford are also celebrating after tasting their first victory of the season, at the sixth attempt.

Wickford saw off Ardleigh Green by 94 runs, much to the relief of skipper Andy Baker.

“It was great to get that first win and hopefully we can go on from here now,” said Baker.

“This result had been coming and we hadn’t been far off in the games leading up to this but we have some very important games coming up now.

“We need to pick up more good results because the table is still very close and we’re I think we’re still only about 20 points behind second place.”

Wickford made 254/4 in their innings with opener Darren Robinson leading the way with 89.

Jonathan Pratt added 56 not out and Dean Etchells 45 before Ardleigh Green were bowled out for 160.

Etchells was Wickford’s best bowler, taking five wickets for 48 runs.