THE heroics of Dean Etchells ensured Wickford saw off the challenge of Leigh to return to winning ways in Shepherd Neame Essex League Division Two.

The away side were two wicket victors largely thanks to Etchells’ efforts. He contributed all seven wickets as Leigh were reduced to 213/7.

Etchells, who ended with figures of 7-49, then proceeded to see Wickford home with the bat after the majority of the top order failed to deliver.

He scored 71 not out from 68 deliveries as Wickford lost eight wickets in their response.

Chirag Desai’s 43 was the second best offering from Wickford, who completed their innings in under 37 overs.

And captain Andy Baker said Etchells’ efforts were hugely impressive.

“We knew a few boys needed to get good scores and Dean was brilliant with bat and ball,” said Baker. “His bowling was excellent and to take all seven wickets is excellent. We needed to make the most of his overs and we did.

“With the bat he dropped down to six as he was tired from his efforts with the ball but he saw us home.

“It always helps when a player plays like that. We kept them to a good score on a quick outfield and we thought we could chase it down. Thankfully, we did.”

Despite defeat, the 11 points Leigh took from the encounter was enough for them to rise to second in the standings, with Wickford up to fifth.

Old Southendian & Southchurch drew at Harlow, with Ahmed Khawaja excelling with the bat once again.

The all-rounder struck 117 before he was clean bowled.

Max Craddock (54) and Tauseef Ali Kazmi (42) helped guide the Old Boys to 270/4 in 50 overs.

And although Harlow could not reach that score, they were resilient with the bat as they ended their innings on 206/8.

Khawaja took 2-34 with the ball against his former club while Andrew McGarry (3-37) also impressed.

Horndon-on-the-Hill were emphatically beaten by Oakfield Parkonians, going down by 95 runs.

Their third defeat in four matches, Horndon have struggled since their opening day triumph.

Electing to field, Horndon watched their opposition rack up just 177 in their innings but then proceeded to implode with the bat.

Jeff West scored 47 but no other batsman scored more than nine as Horndon were all out for 82 in 21.1 overs.