A DEAN Waller inspired Leigh-on-Sea secured a crucial win against Hutton to boost their fight against relegation.

The Leigh captain scored 141 off just 97 deliveries as Leigh won by 94 runs to move to within five points of safety in Shepherd Neame Division Two.

Waller’s innings contained 12 fours and eight sixes at Chalkwell Park, while Joe Sexton’s 80 not out was also hugely significant as the duo took Leigh from 126-3 to 320-4.

And Waller admitted he was pleased to secure a much-needed victory.

“I am over the moon to have got the result we have been looking for,” he said. “We have struggled so far this year so it was nice to spend some time in the middle and build a score. Joe and I put almost 200 which was good but the pitch was good so it was a good toss to win. Although they had a good crack at it to to be fair, it was a good game.

“It was really great to get the century. It was a game we felt we had to win and we won it. Joe was good with the bat and ball so I am really pleased.

“Now we have to build on it.”

Waller had won the toss and put Leigh into bat, although Iain McDonald (16), Jon Edwards (17) and James Pettitt (26) failed to inspire, although the wayward Harlow side conceded 47 extras.

Hutton started poorly, until Carl Mumba (64), James Mowll (35) and Stuart Feeley (32) steadied the innings.

Sexton and Paddy Groves (3-50) and McDonald (2-30) were the pick of the Leigh bowling attack.

Old Southendian & Southchurch returned to form with a fourth win in five matches as they saw off second-placed Oakfield Parkonians by 84 runs.

Having won the toss, Aaron Lucas’ men got off to the best start as Rob Johnston (64), Max Craddock (36) and Chris Bunce (66) out the Old Boys in charge.

But it was Amit Gupta that really shone as he walloped 117 for the hosts as Leigh ended on 334-6.

Oakfield started fairly well in response, with Jibran Azam’s 50 and Paran Kelley’s 73 the best they could muster as they were all out for 250 in 45.1 overs.

Gupta took 3-30 and Adam Rendall (2-47), Matt Austin (2-58) and Sam Hodgson (2-64).

Bottom-side Wickford secured an impressive three-wicket win against Harlow Town to record just their second win of the season to date.

Having lost the toss on such a good pitch, things looked bleak for the home team, although three Harlow batsmen fell cheaply early on.

Ashley Alderson (94), Dan Farmer (55 not out) and Shaun Alderson (34 not out) were the best of the bunch as Wickford bowled well.

Alex Moss (2-35) and Jamie Went (2-42) were the pick of the Wickford bowlers.

Dale Kinsey led Wickford to the win, with his 104, plus support from Gareth Wright (32 not out) and Craig Smith (30) seeing them home with 1.3 overs remaining.

Horndon-on-the-Hill were beaten by four wickets against a strong Gidea Park & Romford outfit.

Jack Walsh hit 75 and Damien Sweet (67) but that wasn’t enough for Horndon.