HADLEIGH and Thundersley skipper Richard Revell was left ‘frustrated and disappointed’ following his side’s setback at Southend & EMT.

The setback kept Hadleigh second from bottom in the Premier Division, two points below Shenfield.

But Revell knows Hadleigh must improve if they are to work their way out of trouble.

“It was a frustrating and disappointing day for us,” said Revell.

“We lost the toss and, unsurprisingly, we were put in the field as the pitch looked good and the weather was very hot.

“However, despite that, we made a good start and took a wicket with the second ball of the innings.

“We continued to restrict runs and picked up regular wickets and had Southend 103/8.

“But Southend’s lower order batted very well and sensibly and were able to post a score of 178.”

However, in reply, Hadleigh made just 146 after Revell thought his side were in with a great chance of winning.

“The pitch was playing OK and I felt this should have been a comfortable chase,” said Revell, who took 3-18 with the ball for Hadleigh.

“Unfortunately, we batted very poorly along with some good bowling from Southend, which resulted in us being all out for 146 in reply.

“We will need to improve our game quickly as we are away to Brentwood this next weekend.”

Brentwood will provide another tough test as they currently sit second in the Premier Division standings and are just nine points behind league leaders Wanstead & Snaresbrook.