Wanstead cemented their runners-up spot with a convincing seven-wicket victory against Ilford in the Essex Premier League.

Illford won the toss and elected to bat but started badly as they lost opener Mazhar Malik (9) early on.

Number three Gurdeep Kandola (37) made the highest score for Ilford, who never really got going and were bowled all out for 139.

Mohammed Fayyaz Khan (four for 21) and Joe Ellis-Grewal (three for 36) were the pick of the bowlers as Wanstead had a relatively low target to reach.

Despite losing opener John Chambers for a duck, Arfan Akram (73) took control of the innings and with the help of Christian Burgess (27) and Merv Westfield (26), Wanstead reached their target inside 30 overs.

Loughton were consigned to relegation after a crushing nine-wicket defeat at the hands of South Woodford.

With other results needing to go their way, Loughton won the toss and decided to bat. But openers Faisal Shah (8) and Muhammad Anwar (2) got the side off to a bad start.

There was little resistance offered by the batting line-up, although skipper Usman Jan hit a spirited 55.

Loughton needed to post a big total but could only reach 140 before they were dismissed.

Nick Browne did the majority of the damage for South Woodford, finishing with four for 26.

It was all up to the Loughton bowlers to win the game and give their side a chance but they met two Woodford openers in fine form.

Browne (79) again damaged the hopes of Loughton, alongside Asher Gilani (31), and South Woodford eased their way to victory with 19 overs, and nine wickets, to spare. Woodford Wells ended any possible relegation fears they had with a four-wicket victory against fifth-placed Colchester and East Essex.

Wells’ decision to insert their opponents looked to be vindicated as openers Joe Austin (10) and Omar Ahmed (6) were both dismissed early on.

The visitors were in trouble on 30 for three but a strong performance from Atamad Ul Haq (71) helped the score along and Colchester finished their innings on 177 all out.

A solid batting card proved important for Wells as only two batsmen failed to make double figures.

Robert Marshall (43) and Robert Leiper (39 not out) were the top scorers as the home side reached their target and secured their Premier Division status in the 44th over.