Hockley's Greensward School won three of the four age groups when the Castle Point and Rochford Schools' cricket finals were staged.

In the under-13 final they beat King Edmund, Rochford, by a single run off the last ball when chasing 86 in a tight match.

At under-15 level, Rayleigh's FitzWimarc were their victims by a two-wicket margin. Then Greensward were comfortable winners of the under-17 crown when Sweyne Park, Rayleigh, chasing a target of 170, were bowled out for 44.

Thundersley's King John School stopped the rot when they took the under-14 final. They beat Greensward, who were bowled out for 36 when chasing 130, by 94 runs.

Monarchs' appeal for managers

Southend-based Ekco Monarchs are looking for parents to manage teams of six children for their two kwik cricket days next month.

Several teams have already come forward for the free events on August 11 and 18 between 5 and 8pm.

However, more help is needed and the club also wants to hear from people who can transport the children to Ekco's ground in Thornford Gardens.

Kwik cricket aims to encourage children to take up the game at grass roots level and the Ekco scheme is following on from a successful session run with the Essex County Cricket Board a fortnight ago.

Contact George Stirk on 01268 540726 or at 245 Great Gregorie, Basildon, Essex, SS16 5QX, for more information.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.