Heavy rain hit the Shepherd Neame Essex League fixture list on Saturday with many games being abandoned.

A number of matches failed to start, while others fell foul of the weather after events had got under way.

Benfleet were particularly disappointed when their Division Three fixture at Woodford Green was given up as a lost cause.

The hosts had reached 60-1 when a batting collapse saw them skittled out for 95 as Craig Edenborough (4-33) led the attack and Jonathan Edwards and David Miles grabbed three wickets each.

Benfleet had reached 37 without loss when the rain started and were robbed of a potential win when the game was called off.

Westcliff's title charge is also in danger of being swamped by the weather.

For the second week running they were unable to bowl a ball as their home match with relegation-haunted Horndon was washed out.

Billericay's Division One fixture at Chelmsford was called off before a ball could be bowled.

A similar fate befell the derby match between Westcliff and Horndon at Chalkwell Park.

The other match at Chalkwell Park was also washed out, as Leigh were unable to play Brentwood.

Published Monday August 12, 2002

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