MISTLEY were unable to take the wind out of Wivenhoe's sails as the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship leaders enjoyed a seven-wicket victory at Rectory Road.

After winning the toss and electing to bat on a slow wicket that took spin, the Swans made 182 for eight from their 40 overs.

Paul Garwood (20), Khalipha Cele (35) and Sam Birkett (22) all made starts but it was James Scott, with 58, including four fours and a six, who provided the main contribution to Mistley’s total.

However, Wivenhoe had few problems reaching their target, with opener James Handscombe hitting 63.

Tim Scott nearly had Matt Durrell caught with the first ball of the innings, having found the edge of the bat, but the catch did not carry to first slip.

Tim Scott did get Durrell’s wicket, caught by Garwood, while Phil Palmer dismissed the other opener, Handscombe, to an excellent catch by Birkett.

The youngster dived forward at mid-on.

Alex Hood also took a wicket, caught by James Scott, as Wivenhoe successfully chased the total, looking comfortable batting on their home wicket.

In division three, Mistley beat Stowmarket by 24 runs at New Road.

Captain Stuart Barwood hit 90 and Adrian Stockton 40 as the Swans batted first and made 194 for six from their 40 overs.

In response, Stowmarket were all out for 170.

Jimmy Goff claimed four wickets for 76 runs in 15 overs and Tom Sebright-King three for 30 in 14.3.

On Sunday, Mistley beat Galleywood by seven wickets in a North Essex League first division contest at New Road.

Charlie Hawthorn led the attack with an excellent performance, taking five wickets for just eight runs from his nine overs - of which five were maidens.

Harrison Rogers also took three wickets as Galleywood reached 93 all out.

Harry Parkes batted very well to score a swift 64 from 45 balls, including 13 fours, as Mistley successfully chased the runs for the loss of three wickets.