Saffron Walden were held to a draw at Chingford on Saturday in a rain affected Shepherd Neame League Premier Division clash. Captain Joe Holland is still looking for his first win as skipper, but is not disheartened as his side sit in fourth place in the

Saffron Walden were held to a draw at Chingford on Saturday in a rain affected Shepherd Neame League Premier Division clash.

Captain Joe Holland is still looking for his first win as skipper, but is not disheartened as his side sit in fourth place in the league.

"They got to their total because their number six batted well," said Holland. "I think if we could have got him out earlier we would have got them out for a lot less. Their number three also batted well, but we always felt we had a chance with him.

"I'm reasonably pleased with the draw and that we got more points than them. There has only been three wins in the league all season with the rain affecting a lot of games. We have a good points total from our draws and are right up there."

Walden won the toss at Chingford and decided to bowl first and chase down a target.

This looked like being a good decision after they got off to to a great start leaving the hosts reeling on 19-4.

However, Paul Shawyer (77) and Robert Whitfield (104) put on an impressive stand of 199 for the next wicket putting Chingford back into the match.

Denver Carolus (19), Alfie Taylor (11) and Ryan Harris (15 no) also chipped in as the hosts finished on 280-9 from 66 overs.

Pick of the Walden bowlers was Adrian McCoubrey 13-4-25-1, Josh Coote 12-3-46-3 and Ryan Sparrow 15-0-61-3.

In reply, openers Tom Westley (27) and Ray Mordini (9) got Walden off to a solid start putting on 38 runs for the first wicket before Mordini was caught by Taylor.

Craig George (20) came in and he and Westley took the score to 63 before the opener was caught and bowled by Harris.

George was joined by Joe Holland (13 no) and they took the score forward.

Jack Ford (8 no) took over from George and he and Holland took the score on to 89-3 before rain stopped play.

On Saturday Walden host Hainault & Clayhall and will be looking to get their first win on the board.

"They are a good side and league champions, so it will be a tough test and we always have a tight game with them," said Holland.

"Hopefully we can get our first win under our belts and we will go into the game the same as every week - confident.

"If we bat, bowl and field well we have a good chance, but I expect another close game."

Walden will make one change from last weekend's side this Saturday.

"Youngster Adam Whealer who plays Essex seconds will replace Ray Mordini," said the skipper. "He is a good batsmen and wicket keeper, although he won't wicket keep this weekend, and we are hoping to get good things from him."

Walden's game with Cambridge Granta on Sunday in the ECB Cockspur Cup Group 14 Quarter Final was postponed due to the weather.

They will try to play again this weekend.