A FINE unbeaten innings from Simon Fernandes helped Colchester and East Essex edge to a sixth win of the season.

Fernandes hit 75 not out in his side's 12-run triumph at Chingford, in their Hamro Foundation Essex League premier division clash.

Colchester were put into bat by the hosts and made 189 for six, in their 33 overs.

The departure of opener Feroze Ahmed for one left the visitors at two for one.

But a second-wicket partnership of 43 between Joe MacGregor (21) and Ben Robinson (24) helped them recover and provided a solid platform for the visitors.

Charlie Fernandes (1) and Jack Hobbs (1) came and went quickly but a sixth-wicket stand of 99 between Simon Fernandes and Denson Narayan (48 in 44 balls) put Colchester on a good footing.

The visitors left Chingford with a target of 190 to win and Colchester's bowlers set about making things difficult for their hosts.

Essex's Jamie Porter opened for the hosts but was soon back in the pavilion after being caught by Jack Hobbs off Vikas Agarwal's bowling for one.

A second-wicket partnership worth 78 between Alex Agedah (48) and Andrew MacGregor (29) helped Chingford make progress.

And Peter McDermott's unbeaten 55 helped the hosts get closer to their target.

But despite Haris Latif (13 not out) combining well with McDermott in the latter stages of the innings, Chingford were unable to get the runs they needed to win.

Charlie Fernandes claimed 3-41 in seven overs, while Vikas Agarwal took an economical 1-21, in his six overs.

The win leaves Colchester in seventh spot in the premier division.

Darren Eckford's side entertain Hadleigh and Thundersley at Castle Park, on Saturday.

Colchester's second XI were also victorious, winning by 56 runs against Billericay in their latest Second XI division one match at Castle Park.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Colchester made 288 for seven in their 40 overs.

The highlight of their innings was Omar Ahmed's 92, with Dan Thacker (53) and Keir Young (51) hitting half centuries.

In reply, Billericay were dismissed for 232, with Jacob Drew (3-42) impressing and George Offord, Dan Thacker and Kieran Savill all claiming two wickets apiece.

Colchester's seconds travel to play Wickford II, on Saturday.