AN inspired bowling display from Sam Hodgson saw Old Southendian & Southchurch get the better of Harlow Town on Saturday.

Hodgson claimed outstanding figures of 4-12 off just four overs to help the Old Boys pick up the points and keep them in touch with those at the top of the Shepherd Neame Division Two standings, with David Johnson also excelling with 3-17 off 7.4 overs.

And captain Aaron Lucas said he was impressed with one of ‘the most complete’ performances of the season, and he says he is now confident of retaining their position in the division next season.

“Before the game it was important to get the result as we are missing key players in the next few weeks so it was an opportunity to not worry about looking over our shoulders,” he said. “It is very tight and that concern is relieved somewhat.

“It was particularly pleasing and one of the most complete this season. Everyone contributed with the bat and then the bowling was outstanding along with the fielding.

“We have two pace men who like bowling at home and (Adam) Rendall and Dave (Johnson) are a real handful. (James) Bunce bowled an excellent spell too so there are so many positives.

“Sam has come on with his spin and that is really encouraging for us.”

Old Southendian won by a comfortable margin of 162 runs in the end, having won the toss and elected to bat first in the encounter at Garon Park.

Rob Johnston (34), Max Craddock (57) and Chris Bunce (45) all provided a solid foundation for the hosts, while middle order contributions from Matt Wilson (35) and Connor Mortlock (37) were also important as they closed their 50 overs on 271-8.

And they got off to the perfect start with the ball, with Daniel Baldwin dismissed for a duck just three balls into the innings. Ashley Alderson (8) went soon after with only Shiraz Ali (29) and Neil Gladwin (54) providing meaningful resistance.

The last eight wickets fell for just 21 runs, with the Old Boys now sitting fourth in the standings, 25 points off the top two positions.

It was also a good day for Leigh-on-Sea, as they beat Hainault & Clayhall to ease their relegation fears, although they do remain in the bottom two.

However, Dean Waller’s team are now just six points from safety and will fancy their chances of pulling themselves out of the quagmire.

Leigh lost the toss but came storming back into contention with a tremendous bowling show, skittling Hainault for just 147 runs.

Iain McDonald (3-30), Paddy Groves (3-38) and Dan Cocking (3-40) were the men who did the damage to put Leigh in a strong position.

But they got off to a poor start when McDonald went for just four, although Jon Edwards (26), Harry Slack (27) Dean Waller (42) helped Leigh along their way.

But it was a key late contribution from Simon Burch (25 not out) that helped Leigh over the line, for the loss of seven wickets.

Horndon-on-the-Hill got the better of Wickford in a key match down the bottom, as the latter were unable to follow up their victory over Leigh with another result.

Wickford won the toss but were unable to make any real inroads with the ball, with Dean Etchells’ 19 the best they could manage.

There was brief resistance from the middle order but nothing substantial which saw Wickford all out for 112 in 36.5 overs.

Horndon lost just four wickets in reply, surpassing the total in 22.4 overs.

Connor Price (36 not out) and Damien Sweet (62) did the damage to keep Horndon above Leigh, and keep Wickford ever more marooned at the bottom of the standings.