EP still chasing second after six-wicket Serendib victory

EP won the toss and put bottom-of-the-table Serendib into bat and dismissed them for 123 in 36.2 overs.

Left-arm seamer Matt Laker, the younger brother of first-team captain Richard, who was unavailable for the game, led the way with the ball and took 5-33 from seven overs, taking the last wicket with the last ball of his spell.

Tom Chamberlain also picked up 3-18, while Mark Coskin returned 1-52 from 16 overs.

EP reached their target in 34 overs as Colin Smith top-scored with 36 not out. Jack Sunderland added 34, Tim Miles hit 21 and captain-for-the-game Chris Williams struck 19.

Smith said: “Winning the toss was quite crucial as the wicket was still damp from the overnight rain.

“Mark and Tom opened up and bowled really well and the first five wickets all fell to catches behind the wicket to our wicketkeeper Josh Carter.

“When Tom finished his spell, Matt came on and continued to apply pressure to the Serendib’s batters and promptly picked up five wickets – his best figures for the 1st XI.

“Mark continues to bowl long spells and remain unrewarded and the others benefited from the pressure he builds from one end.

“He did get their dangerman Samson Burke with an excellent delivery and catch from Carter. Even so, the last pair put on 30, so 123 all out flattered them a little.

“In the reply, Tim and Chris gave us a steady start and Jack and I continued their good work against a fairly decent attack.

“Although the pitch had eased a bit, it still turned and bounced, so batting was not that easy but we got home with loads to spare.”

EP could seal second place on Saturday if they beat local rivals Clymping.

They are 11 points ahead of third-placed Crawley Eagles with a game in hand and a further 10 points ahead of Clymping.