SHEPHERD NEAME ESSEX LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE

SOUTHEND & EMT suffered another blow to their hopes of promotion after they fell to a second consecutive loss, this time against Hainault & Clayhall.

Southend lost by 37 runs in what was a disappointing afternoon for Joe Robbins’ men after Hainault chose to bat first.

The side sitting in mid-table racked up 267 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 50 overs, setting a sizeable total for second-placed Southend to chase.

And they fell 37 runs short, as they were dismissed for 230 with nine overs remaining.

This result followed Southend’s defeat to Harlow last weekend, and leaves them only three points ahead of Shenfield, who also lost, with five games to go.

It was a good weekend for Hadleigh & Thundersley, who won the clash at the bottom against Hutton by seven wickets.

Adam Soilleux won the toss and put the opposition into bat first, restricting them to 206 in 43 overs.

Adam Dobson took 3-24 and was the pick of the away side’s bowling attack, with Hadleigh replying in emphatic fashion.

Only three wickets fell in their innings, with Oliver Smith’s 87 setting the tone. Soilleux (35) and Kellon Carmichael (33 not out) saw them over the line to ensure back-to-back wins.

Hadleigh are now 22 points clear of the drop zone, with Orsett and Upminster currently occupying the two relegation places.