MALDON secured a much-needed victory in their relegation battle and skipper Martyn Coker had high praise for centurion Chris Harris.

The Drapers Farm side took a six-wicket win against visiting basement team Elmstead Grasshoppers in their Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division one match on Saturday.

The result saw Maldon draw within eight points of third from bottom Hadleigh and safety.

Maldon skipper Martyn Coker said: “It was a much-needed win and, with other results going our way, we moved closer to the group of teams narrowly above us in the table.

“This week we travel to Coggeshall looking for a win to help us climb out of the relegation zone.”

After winning the toss, Coker asked the visitors to bat and their bowling attack managed to restrict them to 179 all out.

Freddie Clark was the top bowler, taking three for 40 runs.

Rob Mcmillan chipped in with two for 36 and James Ellis two for 36.

The top scorer for Elmstead was Jon Butcher with 46 before he was removed LBW by Ian Elliot.

Starring with the bat for Maldon was Chris Harris, who hit his way to a majestic unbeaten 103 to help secure the vitory.

Coker said: “Freddie Clark, Robb Macmillan and James Ellis were in great form, although Ian Elliott’s ten overs that costed just 16 runs was also key in slowing the Elmstead progress.

“In reply, a superb 103 not out from Chris Harris led us to a six-wicket win.

“It was Chris’ fourth divison one century of the season and he moved past 900 league runs for the season in the process.

“A partnership of 58 between Chris and myself saw us to victory with ten overs to spare.”