HADLEIGH & Thundersley made it three victories in succession with an exciting four-wicket win at Loughton.

A century from Owen Lynch proved pivotal in Hadleigh’s latest triumph, which saw them move up to seventh in the Division One standings.

And skipper Adam Soilleux was delighted to extend the run of good results.

“Off the back of two wins this game was arguably the most important of the lot against bottom-of-the-league Loughton, who also won last week,” said Soilleux.

“On a hot day and a good looking pitch we lost the toss and had to bowl which wasn’t ideal.

“However I felt we bowled and fielded well to restrict them but we started slowly with the bat, slumping to 30-3.

“After that, Sam Handley and Owen Lynch batted with some caution in an attempt to rebuild the innings.

“Sam scored 47 and put on more than 150 for the fourth wicket with Owen, who made a very disciplined and very timely 105 but we still needed 40 off the last five overs.

“However, with the platform set by Sam and Owen I was able to come in and score 27 not out from 12 balls.”

But the game was still not decided until the very last over when Soilleux was batting alongside Adam Dobson.

“It was a dramatic last over but we only needed four runs, so Dobbo and I looked to do it in singles,” said Soilleux.

“We needed one off the last ball which thankfully we got to ensure we got the vital 20 points.

“The league is still very close but we’ve won three in a row now and want to prolong the winning streak.”

Loughton were bowled out for 244 in their innings, with Anthony Grosvenor the pick of Hadleigh’s bowlers, taking 4-57 before his side made it home for the lost of six wickets, with Lynch’s innings proving crucial.

At the top of the table, it was a disappointing day for promotion-pushing Southend & EMT, who slipped to fourth in the table after suffering a 55-run defeat against table-topping Upminster.

Upminster were bowled out for 181, with Southend’s Ash McCafferty taking 5-27.

But Southend were then dismissed for 126.

Sam Rowe top-scored with 38 not out but skipper Joe Robbins was left feeling frustrated at the close of play.

“The way we folded with the bat was very frustrating but it’s been a bit of underlining problem for us this season, said Robbins.

“It’s definitely something that needs to change going into the final six games.

“Credit to their bowlers because they put us under pressure.

“But if we want to be up there this season we need to show a little bit more hunger and determination to dig in and not give our wickets away so cheaply.”

Southend are now five points below second-placed Orsett & Thurrock, who occupy the final promotion place.

But, at the other end of the table Billericay’s struggles continued with a 70-run defeat against Harlow.

Billericay are now one place and 20 points above the relegation zone.