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Focused Southend captain Steve Johnson

LEAGUE leaders Basildon & Pitsea suffered a dent to their promotion hopes after suffering a shock defeat against Walthamstow on Saturday.

Chasing 184 to win, the table toppers were dismissed for just 158 and that disappointed captain Michael Gray.

"Our batting let us down to be honest," he said.

"The bowlers did their job but maybe the pressure of being top just got to us a little.

"It was a bad day but we're still top with only four games to go and hopefully this defeat will just be a blip," the skipper added.

Walthamstow, who have now done the double over Basildon, batted first and were dismissed for 183.

Steve Brown took 5-44 with the ball for Basildon, while Asif Abbas chipped in with 3-54.

That seemed to have set up another win for their side but their team-mates failed to impress with the bat.

At the crease Southend's Ben Wathen hit 65 against Harlow

Kiran Sangani was the exception as he scored 72, but the next highest was Scott Noble on 25 and that meant Walthamstow came out on top.

Basildon will now be looking to bounce back at Harlow this weekend but they remain a point clear of second placed Woodford Wells and 23 ahead of third-placed Fives & Heronians.

Fives were held to a surprise draw at struggling Billericay but Woodford were not to be denied as they saw off Leigh on Sea in a high scoring encounter.

Leigh batted first and were bowled out for 230 after enjoying an opening stand of 120.

Lee Wilson (60), Simon Birch (53) and Dean Waller (50) all caught the eye but it was still not enough to earn their side a victory as Woodford reached the required target for the loss of four wickets.

Chris Villani bowled well to take 2-50, but Woodford still won with 10 balls remaining.

"It was a good game on a lovely pitch," said Leigh skipper Mark Sexton.

"We did OK and it made a nice change to be out there in the sunshine."

Southend also enjoyed the warm conditions as they secured a "winning draw" at home to Harlow.

The hosts opened the batting and made 279-8, with Fahad Masood scoring a fine 76 and Ben Wathen 65.

Harlow made 215-8 as John Horne took 4-82.

Southend captain Stephen Johnson was pleased with the performance.

"We did well and enjoyed what I would call a winning draw," said the skipper.

"The batting finally clicked and that was great to see because it's only the second time this season we have scored more than 200.

"The fielding still needs to be worked on though. It's let us down a few times this year already and we put down another couple of catches which would have won us the game."

There were no such problems for Hadleigh & Thundersley though as a fine all-round display from captain Adam Fleming helped them beat bottom of the table Stanford le Hope.

Stanford, who have yet to win this season, were bowled out for 150 with Fleming taking 3-30 and Paul Baker 3-22.

Fleming then also took over with the bat as he top scored on 45 as Hadleigh eased home with five wickets remaining.

Nathan Anthes also scored 39 and 15-year-old Joe Robbins hit 33 not out to see Hadleigh home.

"Stanford aren't having the best of seasons but you still have to beat them and we did a good job," said Fleming.

"We are up to fourth and want to enjoy a good end to the season."

Pictures: MAXINE CLARKE

9:46am Tuesday 14th August 2007

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