Aythorpe Roding CC moved down to second place in the Mid-Essex League Premier Division, despite beating Ekco Monarchs & Trojans by six wickets on Saturday. Ekco batting first, were skittled out for 158 in 45 overs. Good scores came from R Mitharkar (65),

Aythorpe Roding CC moved down to second place in the Mid-Essex League Premier Division, despite beating Ekco Monarchs & Trojans by six wickets on Saturday.

Ekco batting first, were skittled out for 158 in 45 overs. Good scores came from R Mitharkar (65), D Winn (13), C Sibley (11) and S Hixon (16).

Andy Clarke was the pick of the Aythorpe bowlers once again, taking 4-35 in 12 overs. Joe Grant (2-24 in 6 overs), Graham Milbank (2-38 in 12 overs), Terry Charrington (1-5 in 7 overs) and Liam Rosewell (1-33 in 5 overs) claimed the other wickets.

Aythorpe took just 25 overs to reach their target, scoring 162-4. Neil Culleton and Graham Milbank put on 109 runs for a fourth wicket partnership in 17 overs.

Culleton hit 76, Milbank 42 not out, while Joe Grant hit a useful 25.

Aythorpe Roding travel to title rivals High Roding on Saturday, 1.30pm start.

Aythorpe Roding seconds remain top of the Mid-Essex League Division 10 after a convincing 107 run victory over Old Chelmsfordians thirds on Saturday.

Roding batting first, lost three wickets with 68 runs on the board, but Will Farr (62) and Steve Humphries (5), put on 74 runs for the fourth wicket in 17 overs.

Further good contributions came from Dave Brierley (25) and Kevin Hockley (34), as Aythorpe reached 227-8 in 45 overs.

The Roding bowlers had to work hard for the wickets as M Bailey (19), Crook (48) and A Ball (27), made sure the hosts lasted their 45 overs, finishing on 120-9.

Matt Reeve (2-22 in 11 overs), Sean Darby (2-40 in 12 overs), Steve Humphries (3-17 in 7 overs), Kevin Hockley (1-8 in 5 overs) and Will Farr (1-1 in 2 overs) took the wickets.

Aythorpe seconds entertain South Woodham Ferrers thirds on Saturday, 1.30pm start in a top of the table clash.

Aythorpe Roding lost by 79 runs at home to Roydon in Sunday's friendly.

Roydon's openers G Pond (61) and D Sanderson (24), got them off to a strong start. More good scores came from C Gooch (14), M Brooks (13) and N Brekkeflat (52), as the visitors reached 195-9.

Joe Grant was the pick of the Aythorpe bowlers, taking 5-30 in 10 overs. Will Farr (2-43) and Elliot Reeve (1-34), also bowled well.

Martin Sully (13) and Lewis Reynolds (24), gave Aythorpe a solid start, putting on 42 runs for the first wicket.

However, after this, the wickets fell quickly. Joe Grant hit 34, but Neil Culleton (20 no), was the only other batsmen to reach double figures as Aythorpe finished on 116-9.

Aythorpe Roding entertain Grays & Chadwell on Sunday, 2pm start.

Dunmow suffered a heavy nine wicket defeat at Lakenheath on Saturday in the Two Counties Championship Division Three.

The visitors made 133-0 in their allotted overs with the hosts making 134-1 in reply.

On Saturday they visit Brockley.

Dunmow seconds who lost by three wickets at home to Hockerill, host High beach this weekend.