Skipper James Blackmore smashed a superb 146no, but Old Southendians were beaten by eight wickets by Ardleigh at Southchurch Park.

"I thought the game might be touch and go, given the weather, but in the end it was a really good day's cricket," said Blackmore, whose impressive century was the cornerstone of his side's 238-5.

"We have a very young side -- half of them are under 22 -- and they played well despite the result. I'd like to think they can finish mid-table this year and build from there."

Roy Smith replied with 100 for Ardleigh (239-2) as the hosts failed to make any real inroads.

Published Monday, May 19, 2003

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