OLD Southendian & Southchurch captain Aaron Lucas says Saturday’s thrilling draw with Hainault & Clayhall was a great way to start life at Garon Park.

The Division Two match was the first encounter at the Old Boys first home, after their move from Southchurch Park, with the result coming down to the very last ball.

After Southend had rallied to 238-4 in 50 overs, with Rob Johnston hitting 105 not out, Hainault looked set to take the victory as they drew level with that score with just a single ball to be bowled and one wicket in hand.

But David Johnson’s fierce bouncer, which got stuck in the grill and broke the nose of Hainault batsman Umar Shafiq, was given as a dead ball and the match ended a draw, with Old Southendian taking home 12 points.

And Lucas said he was pleased with the result.

“It was there game to lose heading into the final exchanges,” he said. “Going into last 10 overs they were in a position to win and needed one run to win off last ball. You would expect them to win do it even with their tail end batsmen in the middle so it felt like a win.

“It was a thrilling match and these are the games you want to be playing in. There were a lot of momentum swings and we really cranked it up towards the end of the innings. Rob led from the front and 12 points to their five was really satisfying as it will be a tight league this year."

Chris Bunce (37 not out) was the other top scorer for Old Southendian, with Johnson (3-54) and Sam Hodgson (3-53) impressing with the ball.

Leigh-on-Sea were keen for a response at Harlow Town after last weekend’s defeat against Belhus and that was what they got.

Having lost the toss Leigh’s opening three batsmen played superbly; led by captain Dean Waller who smashed an unbeaten 100 off just 43 balls, including 11 sixes.

Iain McDonald (70) and Jon Edwards (105 not out) were also impressive as Leigh declared on 294-1.

But Harlow were more than a match for Leigh, with Joe Holland’s 137 and Neil Gladwin’s 106 helping Harlow to 274-6 at the close.

Greg Hammond ended with 3-80 with the ball.

Wickford also drew, taking 10 points from their clash with Gidea Park & Romford.

Dale Kinsey (73) and Dean Etchells (77) helped Wickford to 250-8 in 50 overs and they looked set for a comfortable win as Gidea Park lost their first six batsmen for 24 runs.

But a terrific partnership between Shawn Findlay (123 not out) and Adam McKie (54 not out) ensured a draw.

Daniel Pryke took 4-49 with the ball for Wickford.

Belhus and Horndon were both victorious as they recorded their second wins of the season.