HADLEIGH & Thundersley suffered an agonising one run defeat against Wanstead & Snaresbrook in an entertaining Essex League Premier Division clash.

Wanstead opted to bat first and scored 287/7 with Ethan Billy Corps (2/25) and Ethan Rogers (2/63) the pick of Hadleigh’s bowlers.

But the hosts fell just short in reply, despite opener Jack Wagstaff scoring 102.

Nick Gibb added 73 and Adam Soilleux 36 but Hadleigh were bowled out for 286 and remain second from bottom in the table.

In Division Two, second placed Old Southendian & Southchurch won at Woodford Wells by six wickets.

Woodford batted first and scored 201/9 with Southendian’s Ashan Yousaf taking five wickets for 62 runs.

The visitors started strongly in reply with openers Hafiz Yawer Afzal and Shaurya Singh putting on 71 runs for the first wicket.

Singh was dismissed for 32 and Afzal 92 while Venkatakrishna added 48 to secure another victory for Old Southendian.

Elsewhere, fifth placed Westcliff suffered a nine wicket defeat against table-topping Shenfield.

Westcliff batted first after winning the toss but were dismissed for 55 with Hammad Ul Hassan top scoring with 14 before Shenfield made it home for the loss for just one wicket.

In Division Three, third placed Leigh on Sea beat Harlow by 69 runs.

After opting to bat first, Leigh scored 180 with Tim Knox, who was batting at number 10, top scoring with 43.

Jake McMullen added 39 before Harlow were dismissed for 111.

Sevriano Cupido (3/28) and James Spencer (3/34) were the pick of Leigh’s bowlers.

There was also success for fifth placed Wickford who bagged 25 points in their 33 run win against Newham.

Wickford batted first and scored 188 all out.

Sam Merritt top scored with 45 while Alexander Moss added 35 and Josh Spooner 31 before Newham were bowled out for 155.

Zisan Abedin took five wickets for 32 runs while Josh Spooner took 3/42 during a profitable afternoon for Wickford.

Elsewhere, Benfleet drew at home to Barking.

Benfleet scored 222/8 with David Jarrett leading the way with 66 and Luke Whitbourn 53 before Barking scored 183/9 in reply as they narrowly avoided defeat.

In Division Four, Southend & EMT drew at Hawks.

Hawks scored 242/9 with Matt Mohan taking three wickets for 39 runs before Southend scored 106/6.

Southend are now seventh in the table.