Leigh's promotion hopes took a blow when they lost by five wickets at second-placed Ardleigh Green.

A half-century from L Marshall saw Leigh to a total of 204-9 after they batted first at Ardleigh.

And on a day of difficult batting conditions in damp conditions they must have fancied their chances of forcing a result against their high-flying rivals.

But it was not to be as W Smith produced an innings of 81 to steer his side to 205-5 and secure them the win which keeps their own promotion charge firmly on course.

Published Monday July 19, 2004

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