Halstead suffered their first defeat in the East Anglian Premier League away to title contenders Cambridge St Giles.

Brittle batting was the reason for Halstead's downfall and St Giles are now threatening to turn the championship chase into a two-horse race with Vauxhall Mallards.

After winning the toss, Halstead were in trouble at 12 for two off ten overs.

This setback brought Essex batsman Tim Walton and Richard Hayes together and they not only dealt with the uneven bounce better than the openers, but they also started to put some runs on the board.

When Hayes was caught for a responsible 25, the third-wicket partnership had realised 79, the highest of the innings, but the fall of this wicket signalled the beginning of the end for Halstead.

Walton went just before lunch for 53 and soon after Halstead were all out for 128.

With more than 70 overs to get the runs, St Giles started slowly but surely and went on to pass their modest target for the loss of two wickets, leaving Halstead to pick up just a single point.

Clacton were involved in a high-scoring game at home to struggling Godmanchester but could only record a draw - their sixth in eight matches.

The Seasiders piled on the runs to make their highest total of the season, 301 for five.

After the early loss of openers Adam Seymour and Trevor Moulton, Rob Radley top-scored with 80 (including one six and 14 fours) and Iain Vine hit 75 in a partnership of 120.

Ian Morton got on with things and finished unbeaten on 64 as Clacton gave themselves plenty of time to dismiss their visitors.

But with the wicket giving little assistance to the bowlers, Clacton were thwarted.

Needing 92 off the last 20 overs, Godmanchester declined to chase after losing their sixth wicket, shut up shop and were content to fall 30 short, earning eight points to Clacton's nine.

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