CRICKET: Hadleigh & Thundersley bagged their first Premier Division win of the season after beating Hutton in an exciting encounter.

Hadleigh’s opening match of the season, against Hornchurch, was wiped out by the wet weather.

But Sam Handley’s side finally took to the field on Saturday and secured victory by just seven runs at John Burrows.

Hadleigh were put into bat after losing the toss and were bowled out for 245.

Adam Soilleux, who batted at number three, top scored with 80 while Roy Smith added 38 and Oliver Smith 35.

In reply, Hutton fell just short of the required total, making 238.

Ishen Patel (3/34) was the pick of Hadleigh’s bowlers while Adam Dobson, Haider Ali Syed Zaidi and Soilleux all took two wickets each to earn Hadleigh victory and 20 points.

In Division One, there was more weather related frustration for Billericay as their match at Fives & Heronians was abandoned without a ball behind bowled.

Billericay’s scheduled first match of the season, at home to Belhus, was also abandoned meaning they have yet to take to the field so far this season.

In Division Two, Benfleet suffered an eight run defeat at Aztecs.

Aztecs made 226 in their innings with Ross Casson (5/52) and Luke Whitbourn (3/32) both bowling well.

But Benfleet ended on 218/9 with Gavin Blowes top scoring with 60 and David Jarrett hitting 42.

Old Southendian & Southchurch were also beaten on the road, losing by 29 runs at Springfield.

Batting first, Springfield scored 175 with Matthew Austin (3/13) doing most damage with the ball.

However, Old Southendian were dismissed for 146 with Ahsan Yousaf top scoring with 32.

Wickford suffered a more comprehensive defeat, losing by 172 runs at home to Orsett & Thurrock.

Orsett scored 231/7 in 50 overs before bowling out Wickford for just 59.

Callum Brown top scored for Wickford with 27 not out.

Elsewhere in Division Two, Westcliff lost by 88 runs at Woodford Wells.

Woodford were put into bat after losing the toss and scored 196 with Samiullah Maroofkhil taking 3/28.

But, in reply, Westcliff were dismissed for 108 with Lewis Groves top scoring with 22.

In Division Three, Leigh on Sea were beaten by six runs at home to Stanford le Hope.

Stanford were bowled out for 200 with Oliver West and Tim Knox both taking four wickets each for Leigh.

However, Leigh were dismissed for 194 with Isaac Wohlsen top scoring with 42.

In Division Four, Southend & EMT lost to West Essex by eight runs.

West Essex scored 278 with Kieran Butler (4/29) and Adam Hunt (3/51) both bowling well.

But Southend ended their innings on 270/8 despite a brilliant 152 from Hemanth Kumar Venkatakrishna.