Despite suffering a rare off day when they took on mid-table Colchester and East Essex, Wickford are still odds-on to win promotion to the Premier Division as champions.

The Division One leaders are 18 points clear of Hornchurch, who are almost certain to claim the second promotion spot following Saturday's win over relegation-threatened Walthamstow.

Walthamstow, third from bottom, are Wickford's opponents next weekend in the final League game of the season at the Dick Patmore Memorial Ground and victory will almost certainly see Matthew Bate's men claiming a second successive title.

Against Colchester, Wickford were guilty of giving far too many runs away as former Essex man Ian Flanagan (54), Andrew Kennedy (65 not out) and McQueen (unbeaten on 77) enjoyed a field day.

When Wickford replied Mark Goddard made 80 and ever-reliable Kim Beazleigh 73, but there was not too much support elsewhere and basically it was a rare afternoon to forget for Bate's men as they remained 27 short at the end with only one wicket left.

Published Tuesday August 24, 2004

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