WESTCLIFF went second in Essex League Division Two after a 57 run win against Old Southendian & Southchurch.

Westcliff scored 190 at Chalkwell Park before bowling Old Southendian out for 133.

And skipper Joe Robbins was delighted with all aspects of the victory.

"It was a really pleasing win and probably our best of the season," said Robbins.

"To be stuck in on a wet wicket and to dig in to get 190 was extremely satisfying.

"The bowlers did a fantastic job too and Faisal’s 4-8 off 10 overs was one of the best new ball spells I’ve seen for a long time."

Opener Charlie Lockhart led the way with the bat for Westcliff, top scoring with 38. Dylan Butt (4/25), Ashan Yousaf (3/28) and Hardik Varma (3/22) all bowled well for Old Southendian who were then bowled out for 133.

Hafiz Yawar top scored with 33 while Muhammad Farooqi (4/8) bowled incredibly well to help Westcliff continue their encouraging start to the season.

"All in all it’s been a really good start to the season," said Robbins.

"We've had three wins from four and a defeat having scored 302 so we can’t really have any complaints thus far.

"There’s a long way to go but to start so positively is very pleasing."

And Robbins is keen to keep the good results going.

"At the start of the season, and having taken over the captaincy, a top half of the season finish is the aim really," he said.

"But having started the season well, and knowing the quality we have throughout the side, it would be great to be challenging in and around that top two.

"There’s a huge amount of cricket to be played though and we’ll just take it one game at a time."