MATT Wilson lauded the efforts of Old Southendian & Southchurch as they made it back-to-back victories in Shepherd Neame Essex League Division Two.

Southendian were once again indebted to the performance of all-rounder Ahmed Khawaja.

Following his 8-41 last weekend, he took six more wickets for the loss of just 14 runs against Oakfield Parkonians to help the Old Boys up the standings.

But Wilson said the result was down to more than one player.

“We knew the pitch wasn’t great for batting and we wanted to get a decent score of 130,” said the Old Boys club captain. “That equates to about 200 on a good pitch and others chipped in with runs too.

“Having a spinner of Ahmed’s ability is massive for us. He is taking wickets but everyone is building pressure and he is capitalising on that.

“It is good to get a few early wins and we want to be looking forward, not backwards.”

Having been put into bat, Old Southendian scored 133 in 48 overs, Andrew McGarry top scoring with 33 and Max Craddock (28) and Khawaja (25) chipping in.

Oakfield’s openers scored 10 and 50 before the collapse began. Just one of the next eight batsmen made double figures with Khawaja taking the last six wickets to fall as the hosts were skittled for 87 runs.

Leigh were seen off by early leaders Loughton as they were beaten for a second weekend running.

Vibhor Yadav hit an unbeaten century (101) for Loughton, with Luke Parker contributing 88 as Loughton closed on 248/4.

Jack Wagstaff took two wickets, with Sean Elliott and James Spencer taking one each.

Leigh made a fairly promising start in reply, with Wagstaff (42) and Elliott (45) top scoring.

But the rest of the order fell flat as Leigh were all out for 166.

Wickford drew with Harlow Town in a keenly contested match at Ash Tree Field.

The hosts scored 192/8 in their 50 overs, with Wickford unable to build on a promising start with the ball.

And only one of Wickford’s top six batsmen were able to reach double figures as chances to reaching the total diminished.

Dale Kinsey hit 46 and although number seven Chris Westwood scored 55 it was not enough for the win.

Connor Etchells and captain Andy Baker saw Wickford home.

Horndon-on-the-Hill walloped Fives & Heronians by seven wickets.

Jack Walsh (85 not out) and Jeff West (65 not out) guided the home team to victory.