Southend's first Division Two win of the season was made all the sweeter by the fact that it came against old rials Southendian, who they share the Southchurch Park facilities with.

The seasiders skipper Ian Heiser proved to be spot-on with his declaration after 48 overs at 4.20pm as Southendian were eventually dismissed with two balls to spare.

Ben Wathen, who enjoyed a superb match, led the way for Southend with 90, while Numan Khan hit 79, Wayne Spear an unbeaten 46 and Heiser himself 22.

Overseas star - Zimbabwean Ben Hundermark helped Southend to their first win of the season Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Heiser said: "On at least one occasion I've been left thinking that I left a declaration too late, but I think I got it right here. They had just under three hours to get the runs and the fact that we won with two balls remaining made it correct."

Wathen also proved the dangerman with the ball, removing Chris Bunce for one, dangerman skipper James Blackmore for 17 and Alan Lucas.

Then, when Australian overseas star Scott Briggs was caught out from a full toss for 33, a Southendian win was always unlikely.

Jeremy Lawford did his best to stem the tide with 42 and Chris Sawyer hit 21, but Wathen finished with 4-56 and got good support from Zimbabwean Ben Hundermark (2-49) and Michael Clarke (3-14).

Heiser added: "The fact that we picked up 18 points with only five going to the Old Boys closes the gap behind them to just eight points at the bottom. But, with two going down, we've got to be looking to chase the third-from-bottom side."

Heiser paid tribute to his Southendian opposite number Blackmore, who bowed out after a superb career on the local scene following this match as he's moving to Devon.

"James will be badly missed, not only by Southendian but by local cricket generally," he commented.

Published Monday, June 23, 2003

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