SOUTHEND & EMT suffered a six wicket defeat against Hornchurch.

Southend batted first and winning the toss in the Premier Division clash at Southchurch Park were bowled out for 203.

Lewis Wright top scored with 95 not out while Charlie Lockhart hit 42.

Carl Lees was the third highest scorer with 21 but Hornchurch were again able to call on former England international Monty Panesar.

The spinner took four wickets for 60 runs and and was ably assisted by Marc Whitlock who took 4-62.

But, in reply, Hornchurch made it home for the loss of just four wickets.

Scott Simmons (2-41) was the pick of Southend’s bowlers while Arafat Bhuiyan and Oliver Wagstaff took one wicket each.

As a result, Southend remain at the foot of the table without a win to their name this season.

Tom Phillippe’s side face another tough test on Saturday as they head to table-topping Ilford.