Losing West Essex can’t rain supreme on a day when wet conditions rule the roost

ON a rain-hit afternoon at Rolls Park West Essex failed to build on their opening-day success as they slipped to a 52-run defeat against Billericay.

The visitors won the toss and elected to open the batting with the sky overhead looking very grey.

And they were able to make it to a useful looking 207-5 before deciding to declare after 51 overs of action. Paul Southgate top-scored for the visitors with 55, while David Cole and Andy Bethal both provided good support with knocks of 45, the latter being undefeated.

Only Neil Dial enjoyed any real success with the ball, taking a couple of wickets in what proved difficult conditions following heavy downpours.

Despite conditions drying out by the start of their reply, the hosts never looked like reaching the target set by Billericay.

Zaheer Nazir was however able to produce a spirited undefeated knock of 52, while Amar Zain posted 23 from his innings. But it was never going to be enough against an attack in which Pete Mills (3-19), Danny Pryke (3-52) and David Cole, who also claimed two wickets, led the way.

Reflecting on the result dejected Rolls Park boys captain Zafir Nazir said: "It was a very disappointing result.

"We had been looking to build on last week's win and a positive result from this game would have put us right up there in the table after so many matches failed to be completed because of the rain."