ROBIN Whittaker was again in destructive form as dominant Burnham Sports thumped Rankins by eight wickets to consolidate top place in the Mid-Essex League first division.

Whittaker grabbed five for 33 as Rankins were dismissed for 115, a tally that Sports cruised past with bundles of time to spare. The opening bowler’s exploits came just a month after he had bagged six wickets in a similarly comprehensive defeat of Great Totham.

“Things are going well but we are only a third of the way through the season and there’s a long way to go,” James Hamilton, Burnham’s captain said. “Robin is bowling with great rhythm and getting the rewards he deserves.”

To cap an excellent weekend for the club, Burnham’s seconds were also commanding winners – beating Old Chelmsfordians thirds by nine wickets in their division nine encounter.