THERE was disappointment for both Billericay and Hadleigh & Thundersley in the Premier Division of the Essex League on Saturday.

Second from bottom Billericay lost by 49 runs against Hornchurch and now sit 39 points from safety with three games to go.

Hornchurch batted first and made 273/4 in their innings with former Essex player Merv Westfield top scoring with 84.

In reply, Billericay were dismissed for 224 with Andy Smith top scoring with 47 while Nathan Khelawon added 46 and Matthew Bell 42.

Hadleigh’s defeat was far more convincing as they were beaten by seven wickets against Wanstead & Snaresbrook after being bowled out for just 76.

Adam Soilleux top scored with 24 as Wanstead’s Joe Ellis-Grewal took an impressive 4/10 before his side made it home for the loss of just three wickets.

In Division One, Old Southendian & Southchurch secured an exciting two wicket win against relegation rivals Upminster at Garon Park.

Upminster were dismissed for 176 in their innings thanks to a fine bowling display from Ahmed Khawaja who took four wickets for just five runs.

Ahsan Yousaf took 3/26 before Old Southendian made it home for the loss of eight wickets with Khawaja again leading the way, scoring 42.

Southendian remain second from bottom in the table but are now 36 points behind their opponents.

In Division Two, table topping Wickford moved another step nearer promotion with a four wicket win against Benfleet.

Benfleet made 175 after batting first with Gavin Blowes top scoring with 49 and Chirag Desai doing most damage with the ball for Wickford, taking 4/28.

In reply, Wickford made it home for the loss of six wickets with opening batsman Huzaifa Umer top scoring with 39 to put his side 14 points clear at the top.

However, Leigh on Sea’s promotion hopes were hit by a seven wicket defeat against Romford & Gidea Park.

Elsewhere, Westcliff lost by 30 runs at Orsett & Thurrock while bottom of the table Southend & EMT were beaten by eight wickets against Harlow Town.