Losing the toss proved a crucial factor as Southend crashed to a six-wicket defeat against local rivals Leigh in Division Two at Southchurch Park.
Leigh put their hosts in on a damp wicket which did all sorts of things in the opening stages and, despite a knock of 44 from Baiju Solanki (44) --aided by Steve Johnson's 23 and 22 from Ben Wathen -- the seasiders were bowled out for 159.
Although Leigh's reply was halted by a half-hour rain stoppage, the pitch became easier as the afternoon progressed and, after the delay, the ball became slippery to handle for bowlers and fielders.
Dave Clarke top-scored for Leigh with 64 and they won with ease in the end.
"There's no doubt that the toss played a big part, but all credit to Leigh. They played much better than us all-round and deserved their 18 points," said Southend skipper Ian Heiser
"In the end we collected just four -- which ironically we would have got anyway if the match had been abandoned."
Published Monday, May 19, 2003
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