Southend skipper Ian Heiser admitted that his side were suffering a "crisis in confidence" as they slumped to defeat against Parkonians at Southchurch Park.

Heiser hoped his side were in with a chance when they took the crease chasing a 280 total.

However, they slumped from 50-1 to 77-7 and eventually finished all out on 120.

Said Heiser: "Despite the fact that we're bottom, morale is good. However, confidence is low.

"On Saturday the only two batsmen on our side who contributed a great deal were Michael Clarke, who made 33, and number 10 Andy Callaway, who had a career best 33 not out, and they both went out there and had a go."

An unbroken fourth wicket stand of 120 between E Buxton (100) and K Bostock (60) saw the visitors set the seasiders a big target.

Published Monday, June 16, 2003

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