Saturday’s county wide downpours meant that Upminster’s men’s sides were frustrated as they chased crucial league points with the season entering a crucial phase. The Ladies side marched on however, picking up their fourth league win from four on Sunday to remain at the top of the Essex League Division 2 table.

Vicky Waters made an imperious 139 not out, an innings that included 22 boundaries, to help Upminster to a total of 215-7 from their 30 overs against Chelmsford at Chelmer Park. Holly Minney provided good support to Waters with 30 on her league debut, while Ellie Hazell claimed 3-30 for the home side. In reply, Chelmsford made a solid start and twice got themselves into good positions, but a fine team effort with the ball and in the field, including 2-40 from Izzy Gilbey, saw Upminster to a 65 run success.

On Saturday, all seven men’s games had been halted at an almost identical time. At Upminster Park, Billericay had reached 72-3 from 12 overs, with Nehal Butt taking 2-35, when the heavens opened. That result leaves Upminster seventh in the table with six games remaining.

At Chingford, Josh Lamont and Callum Berry had helped Upminster’s 2nd XI to 57-1 when the rain came, while at Coopers School, Frenford were 93-3 when play was halted against the 3rd XI. Those results leave the 2nd XI in fourth place and the 3rd XI in second spot with a third of the season remaining.

Mit Shah (28) and Matt Mccarthy (22*) had put the 4th X into a good position against Orsett and Thurrock when rain forced the players off, while the 5th XI’s contest at Old Brentwoods was abandoned with the home side on 73-0. The 4th XI stay in eighth position while the 5s remain in fifth spot.

The 6th XI’s game with Harold Wood at Campion was called off with the visitors on 76-1 after 20 overs so they remain in fourth place in the table, while the 7th XI friendly with Orsett and Thurrock was abandoned after just a handful of overs.