Saffron Walden CC moved into second place in the Shepherd Neame Essex League Premier Division with a victory at Brentwood on Saturday. Walden finally found their form in the field against the joint league leaders with Essex player Tim Phillips the star,

Saffron Walden CC moved into second place in the Shepherd Neame Essex League Premier Division with a victory at Brentwood on Saturday.

Walden finally found their form in the field against the joint league leaders with Essex player Tim Phillips the star, taking six wickets for just 34 runs in the clash that suffered several interruptions due to rain.

"I'm delighted we are in second considering we have had a few changes to the side," said captain Joe Holland. "A lot of guys have been making their debuts and playing in their first premier league season so to be second after a third of the season is very pleasing.

"Tim Phillips made a big difference on the day and he is a quality player who has played a lot of professional cricket. The wicket was conducive to spin and he took advantage and bowled well.

"Tom Westley batted well and Jack Ford and Ray Mordini saw us home when it could have got tough. I was pleased to come away with 20 points after a good all round team performance."

Walden won the toss and decided to bowl first, with the rain clouds looming.

Brentwood got off to a steady start with openers Jonathan Walford (13) and Ben Debenham (18), putting runs on the board.

Alston Bobb came to the crease and put on 44 as the hosts looked like they may reach a competitive total.

However, Bobb received little support and Brentwood's next five batsmen were dismissed with just 14 runs between them.

Ben Cocklin put on 26 not out and Richard Whitehall 11, as the hosts were skittled out for 142 runs in 48.1 overs.

Pick of the bowlers was Adrian McCoubry (13.1-3-39-2), Phillips (17-4-34-6) and Tom Westley (11-3-38-2).

Walden got off to a poor start in reply, losing Ryan Sparrow for just one run, clean bowled

by Whitehall.

Fellow opener Westley fared better hitting 39 to put the visitors back on track, well supported by Craig George (19).

Phillips then came to the crease and showed he is equally as impressive with the bat making 46 runs, supported by Holland (14).

Walden were closing in on their target and Jack Ford (10 no) and Ray Mordini (8 no) scored the runs required to give the visitors a five wicket victory.

Taking the wickets for the hosts was Richard Whitehall (4-0-15-1), Alston Bobb (19-3-55-2) and Luke Sweeney (9.3-2-26-1).

On Saturday Walden host sixth placed Ilford.

They will be without Mordini who is in Italy and are likely to lose Phillips to Essex.

"We wIll probably lose Tim as this weekend as he is in the squad for Essex for their Twenty 20 game," said the skipper. "We are disappointed to lose him, but hope he does well for Essex.

"He is going to confirm on Saturday morning, but if he doesn't play, Joe Barrs will come in. He is a good youngster who can bat and bowl and is a real promising talent."

Former captain Neil Gladwin will come in for Mordini.

"He has just got back from studying in South Africa," said Holland. "He got 50 in the seconds last week and has now got a good chance if he bats well of keeping his place.

"Competition for places is really good here and this will increase which can only help.