WANSTEAD recorded a comfortable seven-wicket win over Hainault & Clayhall on Saturday as they maintained a two-point lead over Brentwood at the top of the Shepherd Neame Premier League.

The visitors were first at the crease and, despite Mohsin Ismail clocking up a credible 79, Herons bowlers quickly came to the forefront and kept the away side’s total in check.

Merv Westfield took the plaudits with a three-wicket haul as the league leaders dismissed Hainault for 208.

The Wanstead chase started in steady fashion, with John Chambers and Arfan Akram knocking a steady 62-run partnership. However, Christian Burgess hit 70 not out as Herons quickly closed in on Hainault’s total, with Westfield also getting in on the batting act, as he hit 40 to see the visitors comfortably home.

Meanwhile, Loughton’s steady start to the season continued as they comfortably disposed of lowly Upminster by 53 runs.

Gareth James found the boundary 16 times on his way to making 101, as the visitors brought up a healthy 303 total, before Usman Jan took four wickets and Loughton comfortably disposed of the Upminster pursuit.

Woodford Wells were inspired by bowling of the highest order from Tom Kopelman who returned with figures of 19-3 to dismiss Colchester & Essex for 239, after the visitors had already reached 303. It leaves Wells breathing down the necks of the Premier League pace-setters.

Division One league leaders South Woodford could only manage a draw against Hornchurch, as they let their lead slip. Simon Correya and Rizwan Akram both grabbed four-wicket hauls, as Hornchurch were bowled out for 267. However, time eluded the visitors as they edged closer to the required total and Hornchurch bowled out for the draw.

There was better news, however, for Fives & Heronians, as they recorded a 65-run victory, with the bowlers taking centre stage as Ardleigh Green were bowled out for 163.

Chingford, however, slipped closer to danger at the foot of the table, as they capitulated to a 112-run defeat to Hutton.

Elsewhere, Russell Becket grabbed a tremendous five-wicket haul as Buckhurst Hill played out a credible draw with high-flying Harlow in Division Two.

In Division Three, a rival clash between Ongar and Epping culminated in a 65-run victory for home side Ongar, as they plunged Epping further into the relegation mire.

League leaders Walthamstow recorded an impressive 114-run victory over West Essex, as they maintained their healthy lead at the top of the division.

There was also success for Woodford Green who edged closer to the promotion places, as they gained a three-wicket triumph over Southend-on-Sea.

Finally, Old Parkonians clocked up a vital two-wicket victory over Belhus, as they maintained an achievable gap between themselves and Division Three safety.