In one of the few games to beat the weather, Old Southendian were left wishing they hadn't bothered after picking up just one point.

Ironically they would have been better off sharing the points for an abandoned fixture as they fell to the new league leaders.

Having been put in on a pitch which was still feeling the effects of the morning's downpour the Old Boys made slow progress, but eventually batted for 66 overs to reach 204-8.

James Blackmore led the way with 73, supported by 28 from John James and 23 from Lucas Bujega, while Ashad Ali bowled well to claim 5-73.

Ilford had the advantage of a drier surface and came out hitting to reach their target off just 32 overs.

Despite losing dangerman Ali for just 19 the home side rallied around M Diwan's 49 and M Malik's 28, before the fifth wicket pair of K Kumar (64) and A Hassan (39) saw them home.

Published Monday August 12, 2002

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