CHELMSFORD Cricket Club edged to a one wicket victory against Southend-on-Sea & EMT as their perfect start to the SNEL Premier Division season continued.

Bolstered by the additions of Essex pair Matt Dixon and Aaron Beard, Chelmsford elected to field and impressed with the ball.

Sam Cook, Anthony Hill, Ben Waring and Dixon all took two wickets while Beard claimed one as the wickets were shared out - Joe Robbins’ 48 was an innings high for Southend.

All bowled out for 135, Southend needed a response and they got one.

The first three batsmen contributed just 10 runs before the middle order stabilised the innings.

James Clifford’s 33 was the best Chelmsford could manage and it was left to Waring and Hill to steer Chelmsford over the line, knocking off the four runs they needed for victory.

The second team were also victorious, defeating Loughton by 57 runs to take the points.

Rob Hayto (46) and Nick Bailey (47) were the best Chelmsford had to offer as they reached 150.

But some excellent bowling saw Loughton halted at just 93.

Liam Kearney took 4-9, Hayto 3-14 and Stu Everard 3-23 - all excellent bowling figures.

The 3s defeated Buckhurst Hill by eight wickets.

Buckhurst Hill batted first but accrued just 97, with Harry Arnold (3-19) and Rory Skepelhorn (3-23) doing the damage with the ball.

Chelmsford lost just two wickets in response, with Jordan Campion unbeaten on 46.

The 4s drew with Harold Wood, with Phil Arnold hitting 85 not out. The 5s lost by one wicket to Southend & EMT.