OLD Southendian & Southchurch leapfrogged Leigh in Division Two of the Shepherd Neame Essex League with a 50 run victory against them.

The Old Boys secured a much-needed win to lift them out of the relegation places at Leigh’s expense.

Chris Bunce (47), Rob Johnston (55) and Ahmed Khawaja (66) impressed as Old Southendian finished on 265/9 in their 50 overs.

None of the final six batsmen shone as the innings somewhat petered out.

Theodore Foley took 3-40, while James Spencer and Prasanth Natarajan took two wickets each.

Leigh made a highly underwhelming start to their reply and were 12/3 in their innings at the start.

Iain McDonald (45) and Natarajan (26) got in and failed to go on but it was Paul Humphries that almost inspired Leigh to an unlikely result.

He scored 86 from 102 balls but fell short of a century, which ultimately proved costly.

Andrew McGarry (3-23) and Ali Raza (3-38) bowled well to lift the Old Boys up the standings.

And the result pleased vice-captain Max Craddock.

“We had not started the season well with the bat but we have pushed on recently,” he said. “We had lots of people contributing alongside Ahmed (Khawaja) which was good.

“We clicked as a unit. 260 was a good score and we back our bowling attack. Dan Baines is back from university and has impressed, while the others are also doing well.

“I must also mention Joe Madren, who is only in his teens but his spell of spin bowling put us in a really good position. He also got rid of their danger man Paul Humphries, who they needed to win them the game.”

Wickford were also winners at the weekend, defeating Oakfield Parkonians to record their second win in three matches.

They were six-wicket winners as a wonderful bowling display from Huzaifa Umer ensured they emerged victorious.

Oakfield Parkonians were all out for just 141, with Umer ending with 4-17 off six overs.

And Wickford saw off the total with minimal fuss, although none went on to secure big scores.

Chris Westwood (31) and Charlie Phillippe (25) topped the scoring charts as the total was surpassed in 25 overs.