SHEPHERD NEAME ESSEX LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE

SOUTHEND & EMT roared back to winning ways with a 57-run victory against Upminster.

Second-placed Southend went into the game at Southchurch Park on the back of three successive defeats.

And skipper Joe Robbins was therefore thrilled to come out on top.

“It was great to get back to winning ways and it was a massive 20 points for us,” said Robbins.

“Hopefully now we can kick on and go on another little run where we can pick up some wins.”

Southend batted first after winning the toss and were bowled out for 223.

Phil Gray top-scored with 63 while Oliver Wagstaff hit 39.

But Robbins initially feared his side’s score would not be enough to secure the win.

“Phil batted really well again and so did Ollie but if I’m honest I thought 223 was a little below par on that wicket,” said Robbins, “Upminster’s bowlers bowled pretty well but for us to then bowl them out for 166 was really pleasing.

“All the bowlers bowled brilliantly and it was backed up by some really decent fielding, so all in all it was a really satisfying afternoon and we now go into Saturday’s game with Orsett full of confidence.”

Robbins was the pick of Southend’s bowlers, taking 4-20 while Michael Gridley chipped in with 3-28 to keep the team 19 points clear of third-placed Shenfield.

But, at the other end of the table, eighth-placed Hadleigh & Thundersley lost by six wickets against Woodford Wells and are now only two points above the relegation zone.

Hadleigh batted first after winning the toss and were bowled out for 228.

Kellon Carmichael hit a fine 86 while Adam Dobson scored 38 and Jack Wagstaff 30.

However, former Essex pace-man Maurice Chambers impressed with the ball for Woodford Wells, taking four wickets for 31 runs before his side passed the required total with six wickets still remaining.

Carmichael again did well with 2-41 but it was not enough to prevent another defeat for Hadleigh, much to the disappointment of bowler David Williams. “It was disappointing because we know we can do a lot better, especially with the ball and in the field,” said Williams.

“It was always going to be tough to face the new ball, especially with ex-Essex and current Northants bowler Maurice Chambers playing.

“But a couple of dropped catches when they were 35-2 cost us and we will need to do better in a crucial game at home to Hainault on Saturday.”