League leaders Aythorpe Roding had a 'bad day at the office' on Saturday, as they went down to a 41 runs defeat at South Woodham Ferrers.

The hosts totalled 183 all out, with Matthew Bridger (58) and Martin Wensdale (43) among the runs and Liam Rosewall took four for 40.

Aythorpe's reply was held up by Steve Chapman whose four for 15 from 12 overs helped dismiss the leaders for just 142.

High Roding recorded a 43 run victory over Springfield . Paul Whellan (60no) top scored as Roding made 198 for eight, Andy Barrett claiming three for 49.

Jimmy Symonds hit 44 in the Springfield reply who were dismissed for 155, Danny Rowe (4-39) bowling well for Roding.

Bentley's 129 all out proved to be enough in their home match with Old Chelmsfordians .

Gavin Hammond scored 35 and Anderson took three for six in three overs.

Only Stuart McNeil (44) shone in the old boys' reply, as they were skittled out for just 104, with Mark Windley claiming four for 25.

In the local derby at Little Waltham , the home side made 164 with Martin De'ath scoring 71 and John White 51, while Great Waltham's Jim Young took eight for 42 in an exceptional spell of bowling.

In their response, Great Waltham slipped to 88 for six before an unbeaten seventh wicket partnership saw them home.

Neil Chapman (41no) and Rob Whybrow (37no) shared a stand of 77 to secure a win for the visitors. Phil Arnold took five for 29 in 12 overs.

Tillingham made 162 for nine against Stock , that after they had struggled to reach 81 for seven.

Chris Rowland (24) and Robbie Dennis (44no) got them back into the game, and Paul Fielding took four for 44.

Stock's reply saw Simon Garmes score 47 and Paul Taylor an unbeaten 35 but it wasn't enough as Dennis took three for 36 and Tim Blake two for six in 12 overs as Stock were bowled out for 144.

Division One

South Weald's 231 for six proved to be too high for hosts Corringham, Howard Imbert scoring an unbeaten 100 and Gary Fisher 72.

Hutchison (30) top scored in the reply, while Gray, James Stroud and Fisher all took three wickets to help bowl Corringham out for 134.

Hatfield Peverel continued their march towards the premier division, but they were run close by Laindon Taverners .

Mark Watts scored 60 and Luke Stephens 34, while the important partnership of Paul Thorogood (29) and Marc Williams towards the end of the innings added 25 priceless runs.

Trevor Linahan (39) and Nick Goodey (37) batted well, while Martin Allen took four for 36 from 12 overs, as Laindon were dismissed for 159, 19 runs short of their target.

Danbury were ripped out for just 89 at Great Baddow , Paul Jude taking five for 19. Dave Elmore was 60 not out in the reply as Baddow won by 10 wickets.

After a run of eight defeats, Great Wakering were a happier team on Saturday after they beat Ingatestone by 56 runs.

Wakering totalled 198 for seven with Tindall (48), Adcock (44) and Shelley (42) all batting well.

After tea, Ingatestone were dismissed for 142, Warren (31) top scoring, while Ackleton claimed four for 30 and Jenkins three for 35.

Galleywood made 189 for six at Writtle , Paul Marlow (47) top scoring.

John Cook (32) and Warren Marsh (28no) put up some resistance after tea, but Writtle were restricted to 165 for nine, Blowers and Valentine taking two wickets apiece.

Division Five

Brookweald increased their lead at the top of the table after a comfortable seven wicket win over Galleywood II.

Galleywood totalled 203 for six with Tapley scoring 64 not out, and Chisolm taking three for 68.

The Brookweald reply of 204 for three was led by Coxon (75), Avery (37 n.o) and Robinson (36 n.o).

Bentley set off in fine style at Willow Herbs as Hammond (43) and Wiffen (20) shared a first wicket stand of 49, before the innings declined to end on 95 for nine, with the last pair resisting all the 'Herbs bowlers.

After the loss of an early wicket first team debutant Mark Edwards hammered an unbeaten 55, and with Scott, (29 n.o), he saw the 'Herbs home to a nine wicket win.

Defeat for the third and fourth placed teams has allowed daylight to appear at the top of the table.

Third in the table Great Burstead II lost by 29 runs at home to Havering Blues for whom Smith turned in a fine display.

Blues totalled 176 for six with Smith finishing unbeaten on 52, and he then took three for 31 as the Burstead innings closed on 147 for nine.

Fourth placed South Woodham Ferrers II made 183 for six at Old Chelmsfordians II .

Wilson led the O.C.'s reply with 74 that saw them home to a six wicket win.

Hatfield Peverel II maintained their climb away from the bottom of the table with a six wicket win over visitors Writtle II .

Writtle made 172 for seven, before Hatfield Peverel skipper Dennis Parkinson led from the front with 60 to see his side home.

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