Ilford Catholics lost to Matching Green by 38 runs in Herts and Essex Division One.

In a rain reduced match, Catholic bowled first with Vince Mulholland containing the batsmen well in the difficult conditions. Ravi Ramanuja joined the attack and Matching eventually posted a total of 150 from their 20 overs.

Suleman Saleem joined Ryan Naylor and they put on a good partnership of 43 with Saleem striking the ball well for a quick 20. Naylor (23) started to find the boundary but was then caught at mid-wicket leaving Catholic at 54 for three.

With nine overs left and more than ten an over required Catholic were under pressure and despite some late boundaries from Wahab (13), Tooth (15) and Liam Mulholland (10) they fell short and were dismissed for 112.

Catholics Seconds lost to Takeley by 32 runs but remain top of Division Six.

Opening bowlers Anujan Thiru (two for 18) and Mukhtiar Singh (one for 26) used the conditions well as Takeley posted 136 from their 45 overs.

Openers Marsh (13) and Kumar (11) soon departed and this sparked a middle order collapse which left Catholic in trouble. With ten overs left, Catholic were struggling and needed 50 with seven wickets down. Kogulan Shah (18) and Vasi Tharmalingam (12) dug in and added some much needed runs but once they were dismissed Catholic were skittled for 104 all out.

The Thirds defeated North Weald Seconds by eight wickets in their friendly to seal a first win of the season.

Louis Morgan and Rabbul Muzammel opened the bowling and kept the runs to a minimum and were well supported by Rakin Hossain (one for 12) and Raj Mathinthan (one for three). However the outstanding bowler was Ashwin Rane who took five for 26 off seven overs as the visitors were all out for 87.

Aditya Panoli (22 not out) and skipper Dave Revell (39 not out), who continued his good form with the bat, saw Catholic home with 11 overs to spare.