SAFFRON Walden Cricket Club have been knocked off the top spot in the Shepherd Neame Essex League Premier Division after a narrow two run defeat at home to new leaders Chingford on Saturday. Chingford opted to bat first and a strong display by opening bat

SAFFRON Walden Cricket Club have been knocked off the top spot in the Shepherd Neame Essex League Premier Division after a narrow two run defeat at home to new leaders Chingford on Saturday.

Chingford opted to bat first and a strong display by opening batsman, M O'Sullivan, gave them a good start with 45 runs.

The next four wickets fell with three ducks and a score of four from M Meade, putting Saffron in a strong position.

Chingford eventually clocked up 123 runs in 43.1 overs, with further runs being put on the board by S Kirnon (20) and R Harris (13).

Walden bowled consistently to keep the opposition batsman in check, with the pick of the bowlers being J Sparrow (17.1-9-35-6) and Adrian McCoubrey (18-4-60-3).

Opening batsman, Ryan Sparrow (24) got the hosts off to a reasonable start in reply, but they lost fellow opener Ray Mordini for a duck.

Walden got back on track with Ford (53), in fine form, batting well in the middle order. Other batsmen to get on the scoreboard were Staines (12) and Neil Gladwin (9), but it was not enough as Saffron were all out for 121 runs after 48 overs, just short of the required total.

- SAFFRON Walden were knocked out of the Bertie Joel Cup on Sunday after a six wicket defeat at home to Egham in the quarter final.

Choosing to bat first, opening batsman Ryan Sparrow made an excellent start, scoring 61 runs before being bowled by Dunn.

Craig George, batting at number three, was the second batsman to make a half century and top scored for Saffron with 73. Eventually he was caught by Smith after another good spell of bowling from Dunn.

Saffron finished with a good score of 262 runs from 45 overs, with further runs being added by captain, Joe Holland (24), Giles Ecclestone (41 no) and Simon Parmenter (35 no).

Egham got their innings off to a dream start with a wonderful reply from A Amsari, who top scored with 109 not out.

J Tindall also made a half century before being bowled by Giles Ecclestone on 66. Saffron struggled to contain the top order batsmen, with the best bowling display coming from Batcheler (8.4-0-42-2).

Egham reached their target in 40.4 overs, putting on 263 runs with only four wickets being lost.

On Saturday Walden visit Hainault & Clayhall.