NOTHING could separate Wanstead and South Woodford, as the Redbridge pair battled to a draw over the weekend.

South Woodford, who are in danger of being drawn into a relegation scrap in the Essex Premier League, won the toss and opted to bowl.

But defending champions Wanstead raced to 266-9 with impressive knocks from opener John Chambers (78) and Merv Westfield (93).

Harry Shirt (79-5) was lethal with the ball, while Garry Neicho (28-2) also chipped in to help struggling South Woodford.

Solid displays from openers Rizwan Akram (46) and Asher Gilani (45), creating a partnership of 91, helped Wanstead pile the pressure on their near neighbours.

Mohammed Fayyaz Khan (47-5) responded well with the ball for South Woodford, with Adnan Akram (65-3) and Chambers (9-1) the other wicket takers.

Neighbours Woodford Wells visited the current league leaders Brentwood and came away with a draw thanks to Rory Ellison's great performance with the bat and ball.

Woodford lost the toss and were put into bat, but Robert Leiper (62) and Ellison (45 not out) helped the visitors to 241-8.

Brentwood responded with 234-9 but Ellison (3-54), Luke O'Reilly (2-47), Faiz Khan (50-2) and Tom Clark (38-1) helped keep the score down.

Meanwhile, in Division One Loughton kept their promotion hopes alive, beating Hutton by five wickets.

Gareth James Junior (68 not out) was among the runs, while Rizwan Qureshi (59-5) laid into Hutton's batsmen.

Chingford also tasted victory after winning against bottom side Basildon and Pitsea by 13 runs.

Sam Kirnon (36) was Chingford's top scorer with the bat while Ben MacGregor (38-6) was too hot for Basildon's batsmen to handle with the ball.

Mid-table Fives held Wickford to a draw.

Elsewhere, Walthamstow won against Horndon on the Hill by seven wickets in Division Two, while Buckhurst Hill were also victorious when they won by six wickets against Harold Wood.

West Essex beat Belhus by six wickets in Division Three, while Woodford Green won against Ongar by four runs. Old Parkonians were triumphant in their match with promotion challengers Old Brentwoods, winning by a haul of 90 runs.

There was also a win for Epping who beat Benfleet by eight wickets.

A partnership of 125 runs between the two openers led Epping Foresters to victory.

Foresters scored 238-6 with Steve Poole (74) and Tom Capewell (42) leading the batting charge against Rickling Ramblers.

Mark Quant and Ricky Ellis took two wickets each to reduce Ramblers to 138.