Dunmow continued their excellent form, unbeaten in August, with a Division Two league double over relegation contenders Lakenheath.

Following their tried and tested formula of bowling first, almost regardless of the conditions, Dunmow made early inroads.

Matt Gibson (2-26) claimed the wickets of both opening batsmen, having H Milner caught at slip for six and T Milner lbw for seven, to leave the visitors 30-2 in the ninth over.

The near perfect batting conditions were then well-exploited by Shane Leach and Danny Rodic as they steadily increased the pace in building an excellent partnership for the third wicket of 137.

However, they got a helping hand when both were dropped in the same Baz Sewell over, Nick Kesingland the culprit on both occasions.

Kesingland redeemed himself as he claimed the wicket of Rodic for 74, sparking somewhat of a collapse with only Pallent (22) of the remaining batmen making double figures.

When Leach fell to an excellent piece of fielding for 82, the innings just petered out, with Kesingland claiming 4-55 and George Gallant 2-47.

While the total looked imposing, the conditions were in the batting team’s favour and Dunmow were confident of chasing the target down.

This confidence proved to be well-placed.

Dunmow made the perfect start with regular opener Luke Swanston being accompanied for the first time by the fast-scoring Mark Rosewell.

Runs flowed, and for the second week running, a century opening stand was reached before Rosewell fell for 86 from a partnership of 128.

This platform was fully exploited by the batsmen that followed.

Joe Gallant hit 20, while Ollie Rooney (14), Kesingland (10) and returning skipper Paul Reid (17 not out) chipped in, with Swanston playing the anchor role to finish 72 not out and get Dunmow over the line with an over to spare.

This victory leaves Dunmow sixth in the table, but only five points from fourth place Ipswich with two matches to go.

On Saturday Dunmow travel to high-flying Elmstead Market.

Dunmow 2nds secured the Division Nine South title at the first attempt with victory over nearest rivals Colchester Cavaliers.