WESTCLIFF captain Peter Barnes says his side will need to win the majority of their remaining fixtures in order to challenge for promotion.

Having narrowly missed out on the top two places last term, Westcliff went into the Shepherd Neame Essex League Division Three season with high hopes.

And although mixed form in the early stages of the campaign has resulted in Westcliff playing catch-up, they were able to claim a six-wicket win over Epping.

Lewis Groves scored an unbeaten century to help Westcliff to victory.

And Barnes wants to maintain the winning feeling.

The Westcliff captain said: “Lewis batted really well and steadied the ship after we lost early wickets.

“It was nice to get that winning feeling again after a few losses.

“We bowled and fielded really well in the heat to keep them down to 188 and, in the end, knocked the runs off reasonably comfortably.

“Hopefully the win has given us a confidence boost. All we can do is try to win the majority of our remaining games and see where we end up.”

Barnes and Anish Lukose took three wickets apiece as Epping were bowled out for 188.

And Barnes remained unbeaten alongside Groves, who scored 109 runs, as the visitors triumphed.

Meanwhile, Benfleet broke into the standings’ top two thanks to a comfortable win over fellow promotion chasers Woodford Green.

Sam Rowe and Ben Munday were the standout batsmen, scoring 76 and 75 runs respectively as Benfleet finished on 254/7.

Woodford Green could not contend with the Benfleet bowling as six batsmen were out for a duck.

The top scorer was No.11 Paul Richardson, who scored 41 before being caught and bowled by Benfleet skipper Rob Zammit.

Paul Frensham (5-36) and Munday (4-28) shone as Woodford Green were all out for 91.

Elsewhere, Basildon & Pitsea suffered a seven-wicket loss to Walthamstow.

Phillip Tooke top scored with 22 as Basildon & Pitsea were all out for 137.

Stanford le Hope were condemned to a four-wicket defeat by league leaders Old Brentwoods. Michael Gray bludgeoned 71 runs.