Wickford continue to storm ahead at the top of the Second Division after completing their fifth win in six starts on Saturday.

In perfect conditions at the Patmore Memorial Ground, Matthew Bate was the match star in an outstanding game of cricket in which the visiting Old Boys played a full part.

Hitting out - Old Boys' skipper James Blackmore in action against Wickford

Batting first after winning the toss Southendian's only sorrow in a knock of 225-9 was that Australian overseas star Scott Briggs was just three runs short of his maiden century for the club when they completed their 52 overs.

Skipper James Blackmore said: "Scott managed a single off the first ball of the last over, but was unable to get back to the batting end."

Bate finished with 4-107 in 21 overs but Southendian's total was never going to be enough to stave off defeat against the leaders.

Steve Hammond hit 70 and it was left to Bate (85) and Ian Letch (30) to put together an undefeated stand that saw Wickford home with three overs to go after surviving losing two early wickets.

Said Southendian skipper James Blackmore: "All credit to Wickford. They are a class side who have put a lot into gaining promotion this season and if they carry on like this there's no reason why they shouldn't achieve it."

Briggs captured three of the Wickford wickets to fall but Blackmore admitted: "We were well beaten by a very good team but before the action started I would have settled for the nine points we collected."

Published Monday, June 16, 2003

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