by Gareth Jenkins

WEST Essex secured their third victory in a row by beating Southend on Sea this weekend.

Southend had brought the sunshine with them as they elected to bat first. Southend’s opening pair set off at a fair pace and looked like raising a huge total.

West Essex fought back strongly and a blistering hat-trick of wickets by Danny Footman all but broke the back of the batting side’s spirit.

Irfan Riaz had another spectacular display of seam bowling to pick up 5- 53. Danny Footman ending on 4-40, meaning West Essex only needed 97 to win.

The away side bowled well and picked up a few wickets but Julian Joy’s 24 not out steered the home side to victory off 19.2 overs.