Richard Sims continued his excellent form as the 1st XI won by three wickets at Saffron Walden.
The hosts were put into bat and lost ex-Test player Jason Gallian to the first ball of the day, bowled by Michael Eccles, who was playing despite a finger injury sustained the previous weekend.
Essex batsman Mark Pettini held the innings together with a century, adding 81 for the sixth wicket with Joe Barrs (18). Pettini was the last man out, handing Eccles his third wicket, while there were also a trio of victims for Jaden Hatwell as Walden were all out for 186 in the 61st over.
Swardeston lost openers Joel Abraham and Daniel Martin to consecutive deliveries, but Sims (80) and Hatwell (68) added 151 for the third wicket to take the visitors to the brink of victory. Sims’ dismissal prompted a wobble as Swardeston lost four more wickets, including Hatwell, before they safely completed victory in the 41st over.
Saphie Herathge and Robbie Bridgstock both made 60 as the 2nds moved back up to third with a six-wicket win at home to Topcroft. Brothers Dale (three for 34) and Jason (three for 38) Reynolds earlier did the damage with the ball for Swardeston.
The 3rds returned from Great Witchingham with a seven-wicket win to keep up with the pace at the top of Division Three.
Asked to bat, the hosts posted a below par 182-7 from their 46 overs. Matt Hogg then ensured there were no hiccups chasing down the target by hitting 87, with Steven Cadge (34) and David Micklethwaite (35 not out) both also contributing.
Swardeston-CEYMS capped off an excellent day for the club, enjoying an eight-wicket win over Diss A at Hilltops in Division Five. Diss posted 162-7, with Alex Levinson taking 3 for 20. Swardeston then cruised past their target with plenty of time to spare, with Jonny Martin returning to form with an unbeaten 85.
