EASTWOOD completed their preparations for the new T.Rippon Mid-Essex Cricket League season with a narrow 10-run defeat to local rivals Canvey Island.

Batting first, the Islanders were reduced to a paltry 141/9 from their allotted 40 overs, with Tahir Ali taking 3/39, Sam Ridgeway 2/22 and Dan Fullarton 2/15.

For Canvey only Burrill, with 55, and Neil Casson (21) showed any real form with the bat.

Despite chasing a decidedly moderate target, it proved too great for Eastwood as they were bowled out for just 131 with seven balls remaining.

Canvey's Burrill was again the star, taking 3/26 from 7.5 overs, while John Gunn (2/9), Robinson (2/24) and Snowdon (2/31) were also among the wickets.

James Sanford (30) top-scored for Eastwood, who begin their Division Four campaign at home to Rettendon on Saturday.

Eastwood II's friendly against Liberty Casuals was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to an unfit pitch at Belfairs Recreation Ground.

The 2nd XI start their league season at Writtle II this weekend.

However the 3rd XI were able to take to the field against Hockley at the same venue, going down by five wickets.

Eastwood batted first, with Michael Dineen (38), Alex Cunningham (30) and James Nicholls (22) helping the home side to 130 all out in 28 overs.

Mark Brennan (3/30) was the pick of the visiting bowlers.

Hockley reached their victory target with seven overs to spare largely thanks to Dan Chilmaid, who scored a fine 63.

Eastwood's Under-13s were involved in a thrilling tie with Rayleigh, with both sides totalling 100 from their allotted 20 overs at Rawreth Lane.

Rayleigh batted first, scoring 100/4 before Eastwood matched that score for the loss of five wickets, with Laurence Currington top-scoring with 25.