BENFLEET captain Rob Zammit felt a derby draw at Westcliff was a fair reflection of the game.

The two promotion-chasing sides went head-to-head in a Shepherd Neame Essex League Division Three clash at Chalkwell Park.

Westcliff won the toss and elected to bat.

And the hosts went on to post a total of 194/8 from their 50 overs at the crease.

Benfleet came close to getting back to winning ways - after losing to Old Brentwoods last time out - but were made to settle for a draw after closing on 181/8.

Former Benfleet skipper Gavin Blowes stood out for the visitors, as he closed in on three figures.

But Blowes, who finished the innings unbeaten, was unable to notch a century as time ran out.

And Zammit, who replaced Blowes as Benfleet captain in the close season, was full of praise for his predecessor.

Zammit said: “Gavin enjoyed a great knock as he broke into the 70s and was unbeaten.

“We know how good he is and if you are not in form it can seem as though nothing is going for you.

“I took over as captain in the summer and it was good to see Gavin return to form and show what he is capable of.

“A few others also impressed with the bat and Stephen Reeve was good with the ball.

“He has not had much of a chance to show what he can do this season, but he did well.

“A draw was a fair reflection of the game and we’re two sides who will hopefully be pushing for promotion.

“We could have won the match but lost wickets at key moments.”

Elsewhere, Basildon & Pitsea suffered a three wicket defeat to Stanford le Hope in another local derby.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Basildon & Pitsea were looking to get off to a fine start.

However, opening batsmen Michael Gray and Rob Davies fell for 10 and 20 runs respectively.

Liam Rouse was the leading run-scorer, with 32, while Vivek Devgun and Travis Singleton hit 24 and 23 runs respectively as the visitors were all out for 168.

Stanford le Hope bowler Kalum Rasika Sampath registered fine figures of 4-38 with the ball.

And Sampath followed his fine bowling performance up with an impressive spell at the crease.

Sampath finished on 55 not out as the hosts reached their target with three wickets remaining.