Billericay captain Stewart Rutland scored his maiden Saturday firxt XI century but saw his side’s match at West Essex abandoned to rain.

Rutland hit 10 sixes and three fours in his 101 knock, with Paul Southgate contributing 32 before leaders Billericay declared on 250-8.

Rain delayed the start of West Essex’s innings and the eventually reached 15-1 from the eight overs they received before play was abandoned.

“I’m delighted to have passed the milestone of my first league ton for the club but we wanted to go on a get a win or a winning draw,” said Rutland.

“The rest of the team batted well and the team spirit is so high that I’m gutted that we did not get the win.”

Benfleet remain second after their match with Woodford Green at Woodside Park fell victim to the weather just after 6pm on Saturday.

The visitors had been bowled out for 183 in 50 overs, despite Sean Martin hitting 60 and Sam Davies 46, as Gareth Steed claimed 5-56 and Andy Scott 2-43.

The match was disrupted by a lengthy rain break and when play resumed skipper Paul Tremain (2no) and Emmanuel Parmakellis (8no) guided Benfleet to 12-0 when the rain hit a second time and the match called off.

A waterlogged square led to the abandonment of Belhus’ home match with Basildon & Pitsea.

Gavin Jefferies (88) and Joe Joyce (46) guided Belhus to 200-5 declared, with Liam Rouse taking 2-22.

Basildon attempted to chase the total and saw AnandKumar Ganesan top-score with 28 before the match was called off with the visitors on 60-4.

“With the threat of rain, we got to 200 as quickly as possible and then declared,” said Belhus captain Wayne Read. “Credit to Basildon because they went for it.

“We were not too worried because you would sooner gets six points from an abadoned game with Basildon that against one of the teams lower in the table who you would hope to beat.”

Basildon skipper Danny Gray said: “At this stage of the season it’s not a massive deal because there are plenty of games left. We gave it a real go and if we have been 60-2 and got to play the whole match then perhaps we might have won.”