OLD SOUTHENDIANS 234-3

UPMINSTER 234-8

(Match drawn)

Des Beckett scored an unbeaten century as Old Boys consolidated second place with an entertaining draw against their Second Division promotion rivals.

Old Boys won the toss and decided to bat, putting on a defendable total of 234 as they ploughed into the Upminster bowling.

Kiwi Beckett led the way with 100, but there were further good scores from South African James Blackmore (36), Alan Draycott (33) and skipper Chris Bunce (32 not out).

The total of 234 from 49.2 overs led to an early declaration from a confident Bunce, who had given his team 54 overs to attack the Upminster batting.

However, any hopes of a quick conclusion were ended by Michael Wrath (53) and J Lofthouse (42), who kept the Upminster innings motoring along to a challenging position.

Old Boys were actually in some danger of losing when the final over approached with Upminster needing seven runs for victory.

But a wicket on the first ball eased the pressure slightly, and Upminster went on to make just six to give both sides a battling draw.

Bunce was delighted with the 11 points, although third-placed Walthamstow's victory over Ardleigh Green meant they closed the gap slightly on Old Boys, who face leaders Ilford next week.

Action from the weekend's game

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