BAT certainly dominated ball as bowlers from both sides struggled to take wickets, but Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division two leaders Maldon eased to victory against Dunmow.

Bowling first against the unbeaten pacesetters, Dunmow claimed a wicket in the second over, but that was it until the 22nd over as Maldon built a second-wicket partnership despite Reece O’Connell being lucky to survive when being bowled off a no ball.

The Australian took full advantage of this chance as he moved to 105 before being caught by a stunning piece of fielding on the long-off boundary.

With wickets in hand, Maldon took 60 from the last few overs to take Maldon to a formidable 246 from their 35 overs.

The four wickets that fell were shared with one apiece for Matt Gibson, Josh Rix, Steve Hamlin and George Gallant.

Gaining batting points rather than a very unlikely victory was the order of the day for the Dunmow batsmen, and after the loss of Nav Ali and Joe Gallant with the score at 14, Ollie Rooney and Ieuan Bush did just that, claiming the first point at 80 runs before Bush fell for 37.

With further points available at 105 and 130 runs, Rooney (35) and Mark Rosewell (19) ensured that two runs were needed from the final over to claim the third point.

This was duly done and although the margin of victory was significant, Dunmow claimed a crucial five points, with big games to come against near league rivals, while the hosts maintained their unbeaten record.

Dunmow seconds took on Maldon IV’s and posted 365 for three, with Sam Bush making 102, James Reyburn 60 and Ben Sedman 50.

Maldon batted their overs to finish 120 for five, with Alex Rix claiming all five wickets to send Dunmow top of division nine south.

On Saturday, the firsts travel to East Bergholt, while the seconds head to West Mersea seconds.