Old Boys skipper Chris Bunce was fuming after his side suffered a four-wicket defeat in their last game of the season at Southchurch Park.

"We were pathetic, apart from one player, Alan Lucas, who scored a century," said Bunce.

"We were really doing well but the last hour was the worst I have every played in in 20 years at Old Southendian and I told them so afterwards.

"I felt sorry for Alan who got a hundred that turned out to be for nothing.

"This season can't end quick enough for us so we can start to rebuild over the winter."

Lucas scored 105 and the only support came from Robert Johnston (32) and Bunce (17) as D Bickley claimed 5-62 in his 20-over spell.

Epping were in trouble at 87-5 at one point but five dropped catches and a partnership of 100 from S Weightman (57) and M Everitt (39no) saw the visitors to victory.

Chris Sorrell made his return to the Old Boys' first team after three years and took 3-50, while Mark Sisson claimed 2-23 off seven overs.

Published Monday August 30, 2004

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