ESSEX Carriers won one of the best ever Active Southend Evening Cricket League Cup finals in a thrilling run chase, beating Southend by six wickets, at Southchurch Park last night.
On a perfect summer's evening the seasiders batted first and looked in real trouble when they lost their two star batsmen, Scott Rodgie (3) and Ben Wathen (4) in the first four overs.
But Wayne Spear stepped up to take the Carriers' bowling apart in a stand of 143 for the third wicket with Numan Khan. Spear hit four sixes and 10 fours in his 112, while Khan was unbeaten on 43 as Southend amassed a huge 179-3 in their 15 eight-ball overs.
Adam Fleming (1-26) and Paul Baker (1-41) - both in five overs - were the top Carriers' bowlers.
Carriers also suffered an indifferent start by losing two early wickets, but Fleming (29) helped Baker add 35 before Baker and Tim Lowes saw their side home with a stand of 85.
Baker was unbeaten on 79 and Lowes 27 as Carriers won on 180-4 with 1.1 overs to go.
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