ORSETT & Thurrock and Belhus both claimed draws in the Shepherd Neame Essex League first division.

Belhus were left frustrated by a resilient Gidea Park & Romford lower order while Orsett & Thurrock couldn’t better Upminster.

It appeared as though Belhus were well on their way to the points against Gidea Park after racking up 245/4 before declaring, despite losing the toss.

Joe Joyce scored 105 and was well supported by Matt Doran (32), Max Osborne (37) and Ryan Wells (44).

Gidea Park lost a wicket in the first over but some determined middle order batting meant the away side were able to bat through the overs.

Sam Hewitt’s 28 from 63 balls and efforts from the final two batsmen - Aditya Kumar (five from 28 balls) and Sadiqullah Kamal (nine from 42 balls) - meant Belhus were unable to get the final wicket they needed as Gidea Park ended on 106/9.

Joe Joyce took 3-24 with the ball.

Orsett & Thurrock were put into field first up as Upminster scored 201/9 in their 50 overs.

There were good contributions with the ball from Tom Redman (3-52), George Pavitt (3-37) and Joesph Mitchell (2-44).

And the hosts were unable to reach the total as they lost wickets throughout their innings. Orsett & Thurrock ended on 184/9, with Pavitt and Redman keeping things tight at the end of the innings.

Belhus 2s defeated Horndon-on-the-Hill 2s by six wickets having skittled their opponents for just 91.

Jamie Fairweather took 4-14 as Charlie Lewis (38 not out) helped Belhus home.

Orsett & Thurrock 2s missed out against Hadleigh & Thundersley, falling 87 runs short.

Belhus 3s and 4s also won as Orsett & Thurrock 3s were beaten.