Belmont & Edgware CC started their new era with a hard-fought win over Chigwell.

BECC captain Ryan Monk, the new man in charge, asked his predecessor, Warren Averbuch, to start the attack. After the first few overs runs came flowing due to wides and boundaries, but Averbuch finally found his line and length and four top-order wickets followed, and finished with 4-32.

As the innings progressed, some excellent bowling and fielding restricted Chigwell to a 141-8. Jeffries and David Kaplan claimed two wickets apiece, including a very smart caught and bowled to remove Chigwell's captain.

Early wickets fell for BECC, but Jonny Reid and Keith Aizen steadied the ship. Reid made 22 and Aizen top-scored with 36, while carrying a leg injury.

The pair pushed the hosts towards victory but a loose shot and a silly run out saw the balance of power shift towards Chigwell.

However, Monk had other ideas and he joined Averbuch to steer the hosts home with a good partnership of 33 with a couple of overs to spare.