CRICKET: Hadleigh & Thundersley secured an impressive seven wicket win against Belhus in the Premier Division of the Essex League.

Belhus batted first but were bowled out for just 85 with Hadleigh skipper Sam Handley taking four wickets for just 13 runs.

Adam Dobson also impressed with 3/31 before Hadleigh reached the required total for the loss of three wickets, thanks to 46 not out from Oliver Smith.

The victory kept Hadleigh fifth in the table.

In Division One, Wickford suffered a six wicket defeat at Fives & Heronians.

Wickford were put into bat after losing the toss and made 209.

Opener Huzaifa Umer top scored with 68 while Chirag Desai added 37.

But Fives made it home for the loss of just four wickets to leave Wickford just above the relegation zone.

There was also disappointment for Billericay as they were beaten by six wickets against Ilford.

Fourth placed Billericay made 213/9 in their innings with Rehman Ahmed top scoring with 81.

However, Ilford were able to reach the winning total for the loss of just four wickets.

In Division Two, Old Southendian & Southchurch suffered a 60 run defeat at Harlow Town.

Old Southendian batted first and made 207, thanks to 68 from Joshua Perry and 39 from his fellow opener Max Craddock.

In reply, Harlow Town were dismissed for 147.

Andrew McGarry (3/12) and Henry Williams (3/39) did most damage with the ball as Southendian moved up to third in the table.

Benfleet were also celebrating after beating Oakfield Parkonians by just three runs.

Benfleet made 276/4 in their innings with opener Gavin Blowes scoring 105 and skipper Sam Rowe hitting a brilliant 100 before Oakfield were bowled out for 273 in reply.

Taylor Casson, Gavin Blowes and Ross Casson all took two wickets each for Benfleet who are sixth in the standings.

There was disappointment for Leigh on Sea though as they suffered a seven wicket defeat at Old Brentwoods.

Leigh were bowled out for 164 with Kevin Sargent top scoring with 34 not out.

But the total was not enough to trouble Old Brentwoods who made it home for the loss of three wickets.

Westcliff slipped to third in the table after suffering a 78 run defeat at Orsett & Thurrock.

Orsett made 255 in their innings before Westcliff were bowled out for 177 with Hammad Ul Hassan top scoring with 43.

In Division Three, Southend & EMT suffered a 101 defeat against Woodford Green.

Woodford scored 306 before bowling Southend out for 205.