CRICKET: Hadleigh & Thundersley started the Premier Division Essex League season with a four wicket win against Chingford at John Burrows.

Chingford batted first after winning the toss and were bowled out for 138.

Nick Gibb took 4/13 with the ball for Hadleigh while Louis Poynter (2/18) and Billy Corps (2/28) also chipped in.

In reply, Hadleigh reached the required total for the loss of six wickets thanks to an important 46 not out from Corps.

The victory saw Hadleigh pick up 20 points.

In Division One, there was opening day disappointment for Billericay who lost by six wickets against Fives & Heronians.

Billericay were put into bat and were bowled out for 182.

Ellis Pickering top scored with 26 before Fives made it home for the loss of just four wickets.

In Division Two, Old Southendian & Southchurch won by eight wickets at Horndon.

Horndon were put into bat after losing the toss and were dismissed for just 77.

Matthew Austin took a brilliant 5/29 while Dylan Batt (3/14) and Hardik Varma (2/2) also impressed.

With the bat, Old Southendian reached 78/2 with Hemanth Kumar Venkatakrishna scoring 61 not out to secure victory and 20 points.

Elsewhere, there was also victory for Westcliff who beat Woodford Wells by 75 runs.

Westcliff batted first and scored 251.

Opener Charlie Lockhart led the way with 86 while Carl Lees (38) and Hammad Ul Hassan (33) also made valuable contributions before Woodford Wells were bowled out for 176.

Skipper Joe Robbins led the way with the ball as he took 6/64 while Muhammad Farooqi and Hammad Ul Hassan also took two wickets each.

In Division Three, Benfleet beat Newham by four wickets.

Newham were bowled out for 210 before Benfleet replied by reaching the winning total for the loss of six wickets.

Sean Pritchard top scored with 79 not out while Gavin Blowes added an important 64.

Wickford were also triumphant as they beat Hornchurch Athletic by seven wickets.

Hornchurch were bowled out for 187 with Elliot Yorston and John Grimes both taking three wickets each.

In reply, Wickford made it home for the loss of just three wickets.

Tony Munyonga scored 50 not out while opener Chirag Desai added 46.

However, there was defeat for Leigh who lost by 97 runs against Harlow.

Harlow scored 287/7 before Leigh were dismissed for 190.

Toby Turner top scored with 48.

In Division Four, Southend & EMT lost by three wickets against Frenford.

Southend scored 273/8 with Dean Waller scoring 77 and Liam Nugent 64 but Frenford reached the winning total for the loss of seven wickets.