A century by Marlon Dias helped Hadleigh to a 41-run victory over third-placed Mistley, in a rain-affected Division One of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship at Friars Road on Saturday.

Hadleigh accumulated a daunting 259 for five off 40 overs, with Dias involved in three big partnerships.

After half-century stands with Josh Davey and Luke Ibbs, Dias shared a 105-run partnership with Thomas Piddington (51) for the third wicket (219), before himself being dismissed for 109 with the score at 242.

Dias scored at more than a run a ball, facing 99 deliveries in his innings and striking 12 boundaries and a six.

Mistley began their reply in convincing fashion. Daniel Goff (46) and Michael Griggs (39) shared an opening stand of 85, but both were back in the pavilion before the total had reached 100. Goff helped himself to four sixes in his entertaining 30-ball stay.

Hadleigh stuck to their guns and eventually dismissed their visitors for 218. Ibbs took five for 57, with the other five wickets shared between Piddington and Paul Budd.

It was only Mistley’s third defeat of the season – they had won six of their previous nine games – while Hadleigh are fourth in the table after recording their fifth win from 10 fixtures.

But there is no stopping runaway leaders Frinton, who remain unbeaten and have won nine of their 10 games. The latest was a crushing 10-wicket victory over visiting Maldon.

Ben Wilcock took five wickets as Maldon were dismissed for 107. Openers Trevor Moulton (58) and Craig Perrin (48) ensured an easy win by the 24th over.

By contrast, second-placed Wivenhoe beat Haverhill by just nine runs. Mick Condy hit 85 in Wivenhoe’s total of 193 for six, with Will Morgan unbeaten on 51, and Harry Burnett took four wickets as Haverhill were all out for 184.