CHELMSFORD were six wicket winners against Southend to climb further up the Shepherd Neame Essex League Premier Division standings.

Southend failed to hit the heights having been put into bat by the away side, with only Charlie Lockhart (42) scoring meaningfully.

Andy Styan (3-23) and Rob Hayto (3-29) did the damage as Southend were skittled for just 163.

Chelmsford didn’t get off to the best of starts when Dan Hagen went for one but a partnership between Nick Prowting (62 not out) and Jack Sterland (34) helped the away side edge closer to the total.

They surpassed Southend’s score in the 32nd over for the loss of four wickets.

The second team also won by six wickets to get the better of Ilford.

Gagan Bhogal scored 70 for Barking but Chelmsford were impressive. David Thrift (60) and James Gruijters (78 not out) saw Chelmsford over the line.

The 3s beat Hutton by three wickets, Phil Arnold with 74 not out come the close of play.