Saffron Walden moved up to third in the Shepherd Neame Essex League Premier Division with a fine victory over Brentwood on Saturday. Walden put in an impressive performance with the bat and ball, defeating the visitors by eight wickets. Batsmen Giles Ecc

Saffron Walden moved up to third in the Shepherd Neame Essex League Premier Division with a fine victory over Brentwood on Saturday.

Walden put in an impressive performance with the bat and ball, defeating the visitors by eight wickets.

Batsmen Giles Ecclestone said: "We played very well and put in a good performance. We bowled really well and kept them down to 160, which was pleasing.

"It wasn't a walk in the park however, but we also batted well and only lost two wickets chasing them down."

Walden won the toss and put the visitors into bat, preferring to chase down a total.

The hosts started well with Nick Batcheler restricting the Brentwood score, but Jonathan Walford and Ben Debenham batted steadily and Brentwood reached 40 without loss.

Ryan Sparrow introduced slow bowling from both ends in the shape of left-armers Tim Smith and Steve Atherton. Smith quickly accounted for Debenham who was caught at extra-cover by Jamie Sparrow.

Alston Bobb made 20 for the visitors, before he was out lbw from Smith's bowling.

Walford was caught by Parmenter off Smith and Phil Ayres and Gulfras Muwas were also dismissed before lunch to leave Brentwood reeling on 124-5 after 46 overs.

Aaron West was bowled by Batcheler in the first over after lunch and Ben Cocklin was run out soon after.

Only a brief partnership between Ian Belchamber and Richard Whitehall offered Brentwood any hope, but they lost their last three wickets with the score on 160.

Taking the wickets for Walden were Batcheler (12-6-10-1), Smith (19-9-38-4) and Atherton (20.1-3-63-4).

Ryan Sparrow (28) and Jack Stains (18), got Walden off to a great start in reply, making 30 runs in just four overs.

When Staines was run out, Giles Ecclestone came to the crease and made an impressive 85. He was well supported by Charlie Knightley (20), as Walden reached the required total in 35.1 overs.

On Saturday Walden visit bottom club Wickford.

"We hope to finish the league season on a high and secure third place," said Ecclestone.

"We want to keep the momentum up going into the 20-20 national finals the next week.

"Wickford are not a bad side and have some good players. We always go into games confident though and are looking forward to it.