CRICKET: A lamentable first session cost Chelmsford’s first team dear on another mixed Saturday. It was a good day for the even sides with the seconds, fourths and sixths enjoying good wins. The firsts and thirds drew while the fifth team tasted defeat for the first time in the league.

A fine innings from Matt Thurston was the highlight of a very disappointing first team display. Loughton racked up 320 and Chelmsford were never in the hunt.

Stuart Everard claimed five wickets for 26 as the second team bowled out Loughton for 149. There was no wobble this time, Jack Sterland made 37 and Gary Chidley was 74 not out in an eight wicket win.

James Arnold had a memorable game at Gidea Park & Romford in what turned out to be a dull game. Arnold made 125, the first century by a Chelmsford player in the league this season, in Chelmsford’s 271 for six. Olly Devenish (41) also contributed well, while Winmill (4-58) was clearly the pick of the bowlers. Arnold claimed two wickets in Gidea Park’s innings of 185 for six and Chai Pandya (3-76) also bowled well.

The second century of the season was not long in coming.

A terrific unbeaten 109 from Darren Thompson set up a resounding victory for the fourth team over Hornchurch. Three wickets from Ian Turner and four from Neil Raisborough completed the job. After a middle order collapse, an excellent innings from Peter Drain rescued the fifth team. He received useful support from Bradley Green (49), Steve Bond and Max Balmford (38*) with Chelmsford posting 268 for seven. Drain suffered heartbreak as he was dismissed for 99. Leigh batted well and the bowlers could not make any impact – Brady (80) ensured a good start and Monk (51*) and Attwood (75*) carried the visitors to a seven wicket win.

There was no lack of firepower in the sixth team, where Sam Harman had to be taken out of the attack after a triple wicket maiden. Billericay were bowled out for 26, with a brace apiece from Adam Chantry and Colin Miller backing up Harman. Ben Clifford (53) and Joe Matthams (71*) had been in fine form during Chelmsford’s innings of 213 for five.

The Sunday firsts successfully chased down Shenfield’s 217 all out. Ekers, M Salisbury and J Salisbury played well for the visitors, while Gary Chidley and Tom Halsey took three wickets each.

Matthew Davis was the star turn for the under-13s who finally got a win in the Peter Coe Cup. Davis took five for 10 to reduce Old Parkonians to 27 for seven. Ben Clifford made an assured 55 not out to complete an eight wicket win.