By SAM GOODY

Hadleigh & Thundersley secured 20 crucial points with a crushing victory over Chingford.

Having won the toss, Hadleigh racked up the runs, scoring 286/8 in the Shepherd Neame Essex League Premier Division contest.

And their opponents never threatened that total after an early collapse led to Chingford finishing all out for 114.

An opening partnership of 136 between Paul Tibbenham and Brandon Jacobs set the tone for Hadleigh. Jacobs top scored with a fine 80.

Sam Handley also scored a half-century as Hadleigh pulled clear of Shenfield and Southend at the bottom of the table.

The total was an imposing one, and the chase was over before it really started.

Chingford’s top five scored just four runs between them as opening bowlers Adam Dobson and Richard Revell devastated the top order, leaving the hosts on 16/5.

Andrew MacGregor was the only Chingford batsman to make a meaningful contribution, scoring 77, but the next highest score was nine as they fell apart, handing Hadleigh victory.

After the early collapse, Haider Zaidi took two wickets from the middle order, and Adam Soilleux cleaned up the tail, taking 3-6 in 3.4 overs.

Chingford were 114 all out, giving Hadleigh a 172 run win.

The victory moved Hadleigh - who were promoted from Division One last season - up to seventh in the standings.