Woodford Green made the most of their chase for the championship with this 80-run win over Benfleet.

The hosts put Woodford in on a wet wicket but Weeks (33) and Emmanuel (35) took them to 51-0 after eight overs.

Ali (28) and Roberts (36) then continued the run haul before Chris Shaw (6-77) and Ron Steed (4-67) put paid to their exploits after 51 overs.

Benfleet hopes of a successful run chase as the wicket dried were hampered by Ali (6-47) as only Andy Prophet (25) and Mike Tremain (16) made any impression.

"It was that opening partnership where they went off like an express train that was the difference between the teams," said Steed.

Published Monday August 30, 2004

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