CHELMSFORD won the Essex Sunday League title after a good victory at South Woodford.
Their performance was solid with Nisarg Patel and Nick Bailey batting well to complete the win.
Captain Rob Hayto took three wickets in South Woodford's 164-8, a reasonable score on a pitch that made strokeplay difficult.
However, Chelmsford made a good job of the chase, winning with nearly eight overs and seven wickets in hand.
In South Woodford's innings, Alistair Fergus made the breakthrough before Chelmsford's spinners were quickly introduced into the attack. Nisarg Patel (1-27) and James Clifford (1-23 off 8 overs) claimed a wicket each as Harry Neicho and Quereshi played steadily. Quereshi's innings involved three big sixes, but Chelmsford kept a decent control on the scoring rate.
Rob Hayto removed Quereshi (36), caught by Bradley Green, and Neicho (33), caught by Patel.
Vadher (23no) played well in the closing overs, but a couple of wickets for Ben Clifford and another for Hayto (3-36) ensured the scoring rate was manageable.
With South Woodford having secured two bonus points, Chelmsford had to win for the loss of eight or fewer wickets to become champions.
Jack Sterland hit the first ball for four, but in horrible conditions the players were taken off for one over. Two overs were lost and the target reduced to 156 from 38 overs.
Sterland hit the first ball after the resumption for four as well and he and James Clifford brought up a rapid half-century partnership.
At 63-0 after 11, South Woodford's Iqbal induced an edge from Sterland (38) and then dismissed Clifford (17) in his next over.
Another wicket fell and at 73-3 Chelmsford were under pressure.
Nick Bailey and Nisarg Patel played extremely well, though.
As the target was counted down, the pair opened their shoulders and took a few risks.
Patel (48no) scored the winning runs with 46 balls remaining, while Bailey was 46no.
Chelmsford have had seven tough wins and two tight defeats, with the title coming largely due to captain Rob Hayto's efforts.
It is the fifth time that Chelmsford have won the title.
