Southend picked up five points from their drawn game with Harold Wood, who took 12 points.

The seasiders dropped N Sohail when he had yet to score and again when he was on 20 before he went for 69 and Wood were reduced to 93-5.

Butd K Gibson (91) and S Hafeez (61no) steadied things to take it to 271-8 after 52 overs, with Shazad Zadi taking 5-123.

In reply Dave Aldridge (41) and Baiju Solanki (45) led the way.

But wickets fell at regular intervals and it was left to James Holmwood (29no) and 14-year-old Connor Enderby to hold on to secure the draw.

"They batted well and took advantage of some bad bowling and dropped catches," said Southend skipper Wayne Spear. "271 was always going to be a bit too much."

Published Tuesday August 17, 2004

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