CHELMSFORD lost by 75 runs against Hornchurch to drop back into the Shepherd Neame Essex League Premier Division relegation places.

In the first of the 50 over matches, Hornchurch racked up 247/7 in their allotted overs, with four players ending in the forties.

Matt Dixon and Rob Hayto took two wickets each.

Oliver Devenish (47 not out) and Hayto (41) top scored for Chelmsford but with four of the top five failing to impress, Chelmsford were all out for 172 in 44.2 overs.

The 2s were also beaten, losing by 35 runs against Woodford Wells.

James Gruijters (69) top scored and Tom Halsey (3-50) impressed with the ball.

The 3s were edged out by Buckhurst Hill, losing by two wickets.

Anisur Rahman (3-27) bowled impressively and Matthew Thorpe-Apps hit a superb 121 not out as the rest of the batsmen failed to produce.