CRICKET

(Essex League Cup - roundup) LOUGHTON and Woodford Wells were the only two local sides to make it into the second round of the Essex League Cup on Saturday.

Loughton progressed thanks to a narrow nine-run win in a rain-hit game at Westcliff-on-Sea.

The visitors made 169-5 from their reduced 35 overs. Usman Jan (36) and Kelby Pickering (32) led the way.

Mike Hughes (3-8) leading the Loughton attack then ensured the Seasiders were skittled all out for 160.

Asif Khan and Michael Gymer both took two wickets each, as Loughton secured a home match with Upminster in the next round.

Woodford Wells enjoyed a five-wicket win at Leigh-on-Sea.

The hosts found themselves all out for 101.

Luke O'Reilly (3-12) returned the best figures, with Rob Marhall (2-5), Rory Ellison (2-18) and Hassan Chowdhury (2-14).

Wells rattled off the winning runs in just 27.1 overs, with Chowdhury (27) and Joe Taylor (20) coming up with the bulk.

Chingford lost when Brentwood snatched a three-wicket victory with the last ball of the game.

The Forest Siders made 194-5 with McPherson Meade (59) and Sam Kirnon (57) scoring well.

Brentwood were 193-7 going into the final over and they scrambled a leg-bye right at the death.

Ryan Harris, Len Daniels and Ben MacGregor all picked up two wickets each.

Fives and Heronians went down by 32 runs at home to Wickford.

The visitors opened the batting ands a fine undefeated knock of 111 from J Ahmed helped make 223-6.

Chris White (2-52) and Terry Ballard (2-33) were the pick of the home attack.

Fives did their best with Glenn Jackson (62) and Ed Buxton (36) making notable contributions with the willow.

The home side finished on 191-9 from 45 overs. A Baker (4-45) was the main man with the ball for the visitors.

Wanstead found themselves skittled all out for 135 against Saffron Walden.

Only Andrew Joslin with an undefeated 49 performed well.

Saffron Walden secured victory with seven wickets to spare.

West Essex meanwhile, slipped to a 120-run defeat at Hornchurch.

The hosts produced 250-8 from their allotted overs, despite Kamran Riaz and Pronob Roy taking three wickets each.

The Rolls Park boys never got going against a strong attack and crashed all out for 130.

Buckhurst Hill's game with Ardleigh Green was washed out and is due to be rescheduled.