Cheryl Pinch became the first woman to take a wicket in the league's history when she dismissed three Dedham batsmen.

She took the wickets for 45 runs when she stepped up to bowl for Eight Ash Green in Division Three.

Pinch was called in along with Caroline Woodcock from the ladies' team when EAG were short and soon proved they could cut it with the men, even though Dedham's 208-8 was enough for a 14-run victory.

EAG's Dave Merriday said: "We asked them to come in as we were short, but I can see them both playing regularly now. Cheryl is away playing hockey this weekend, but will be included the week after.

"She played very well and took three wickets. She got hit for a six and a four, but after that settled down and bowled well.

"Both girls are good fielders and can throw the ball well."

A league spokesman said: "Women have played in the league before, usually to make up the numbers, but I have not heard of one taking a wicket before."

Also in Division Three, Tiptree lost out to Marks Tey by one wicket after skipper Mike Jones injured an ankle while bowling. Tiptree's Roy Hill took 4-26.

Tey recovered from 18-6 and 52-9 but only overhauled Tiptree's 70 when a difficult chance was dropped with the scores still level.

In Division One, reigning champions Boxted lost for the first time this season to Colchester and East Essex, at Castle Park, by 58 runs, with Andrew Kennedy one short of a half-century.

West Bergholt secured a one-wicket win at home to Maldon.

Stefan Falla came in at number nine and top-scored with 38 not out to see them home with help from last man John Grimwade (8 not out).

Falla had already done well by bowling ten overs and conceding only 15 runs, taking one wicket.

In Division Two, Frank Warner scored an unbeaten 142 for Kelvedon in their 64-run win over Tollesbury.

Ollie Kendall also scored an unbeaten ton - 115 to be precise - and then took 6-13 for Great Totham to win the match against West Mersea almost single-handedly.

Clacton Ramblers beat Ardleigh, skipper Clayton Jeffrey top-scoring with 73 after young leg-spinner Owen Nash took 5-22 to wipe out the Ardleigh tail.

But Ramblers were skittled out for just 39 by Little Bardfield Village on Monday, who eased to a five-wicket victory.

Alan Kemp took 4-16 for Bardfield, Micky Gilbert 4-24 for Ramblers.

In Division Four, Eastcliff were beaten for the first time this season at Witham.

Glen Hadgraft (65) and Lee (77) helped the home team to 240-6 and Eastcliff lost three of their top four batsmen for ducks as Eddie McIntyre took 4-19.

The only teams still unbeaten are Hatfield Peverel and Birch whose meeting was one of several victims of Sunday's downpour.

In Division Five, Great Cornard bounced from the bottom of the table with their first win of the season, Mark Barlow scoring 58 and taking 5-8 as they thrashed Pirates by nine wickets.

Abberton lost for the first time, beaten by five wickets by newcomers High Easter, for whom Adam Chester scored 94 and Alan Lamb took 6-31.

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