OLLIE Wagstaff scored a fine century to fire Southend & EMT into pole position for promotion with a 24-run win against Woodford Wells.

Wagstaff scored a fantastic 118 to help Southend come out on top.

And, with high-flying rivals Shenfield drawing with Hadleigh & Thundersley, Southend now sit second in the Division One standings with just one game to go, much to the delight of Wagstaff.

“It was an astonishing win for us,” said the opening batsman.

“It was a brilliant all-round team performance and every player showed great character as it looked like it was edging towards a tedious draw.

“But credit should go to our bowlers who have been great for us this year.

“They showed great fight and never gave up which was important.”

Wagstaff’s 118 runs came off just 122 as Southend made a strong start to the clash at Southchurch Park.

Phil Gray added 72 as the hosts made 247-5 before bowling Woodford Wells out for 223.

Michael Gridley led the way with 5-80 while Callum Druce took 3-23 to secure a vital victory for Southend who now sit a point clear of third placed Shenfield whose draw with Hadleigh added to Wagstaff’s delight.

“We didn’t know what was going on in the Shenfield game until about 20 minutes after our game, but when we found out they drew it made the win feel that little bit more pleasing and I’m sure you could imagine the scenes,” said Wagstaff.

“It was also nice to see my little bro Jack pick up five wickets for Hadleigh to help us out.”

Southend’s remaining game is against champions Hornchurch while Shenfield take on sixth-placed Woodford Wells on the final day of the season.

But the outcome is now in Southend’s hands and skipper Joe Robbins was also full of praise for his side’s triumph.

“It was an unbelievable effort,” said Robbins.

“We went into game with no pressure at all but we knew we had to take maximum points so even though it was a green wicket, I decided to have a bat first.

“Ollie scored another quality hundred and Phil another excellent 70 which meant we were in a position to declare after 42 overs.

“At drinks it looked like only a Woodford Wells win or draw was likely, but Michael Gridley and Callum Druce bowled beautifully and when the last wicket fell the celebrations were a bit mental!”

Adding to Southend’s delight was Shenfield inability to see off Hadleigh who boosted their survival hopes with a spirited draw.

Hadleigh batted first after being put into bat and made 213-9.

Skipper Adam Soilleux top scored with 77 while Max Holmes hit 36 and Kellon Carmichael 32.

In reply, Shenfield ended on 197/9 with Jack Wagstaff taking 5-37 from just five overs.

As a result, seventh placed Hadleigh picked up 12 points and are now eight points clear of the relegation zone ahead of their final game of the season, against fourth-placed Harlow, on Saturday.