Basildon & Pitsea got the better of this stalemate at Mopsies Park, picking up 10 points to their visitor's three.

Mike Blerkom - hit 16 for Basildon & Pitsea in their draw with Benfleet at Mopsies Park Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Benfleet admitted their performance was not good, while the new towners reckoned the visitors shut up shop early to play for the draw.

Basildon's batsmen punished Benfleet for putting down four catches by hitting 202-6 from their 52 overs.

Kiran Sangani (33) and Mike Blerkom (16) enjoyed an opening partnership of 54, but Basildon slipped to 83-3 when Ross Marder (55) and Danny Gray (44) came together.

They put on nearly 100 to boost the new towners' innings, while Chris Shaw took 5-55 from 19 overs for Benfleet. The other wicket was a run out.

Benfleet's reply owed much to Dave Wright (46no) and Joe Daley (32no) who put on 69 for the sixth wicket. Daley had to retire for about 20 minutes after being hit on the elbow by a delivery, but came backto see Benfleet to 126-6 from 48 overs.

"It was a lackadaisical performance in the field, we have bowled and fielded better," said Benfleet spokesman Ron Steed.

"They outbatted us and they had the bowlers who suited the conditions better."

Basildon skipper Paul Ayres said: "After 12 overs they shut up shop, we do not play that style of cricket."

Published Tuesday June 29, 2004

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