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Clacton Cricket Club skipper Martin Smith hailed the spirit in the camp after his side started the new East Anglian Premier League season with a draw at Fakenham.

Things looked bleak at one stage as Fakenham, replying to the Seasiders' 249 all out, were on 205 for three with 11 overs left.

However, inspired bowling from new overseas player-coach Craig Williams and Michael Comber swung the game and put them in a winning position - only for Fakenham to hang on for a draw.

Smith told the Gazette: "We showed tremendous spirit for such a young side, something that was lacking last year.

"We were up against it for long periods but the guys stuck together and, in the end, if we had held our catches, we would have won the game."

After losing the toss, Clacton were asked to bat first - an easy decision in light of all the rain which had made conditions very difficult for the early batsmen.

They got off to a poor start, seeing the first three batters back in the pavilion with only 36 on the board.

But their strong middle order steadied the ship and, with improving conditions, started to accumulate runs.

Williams played a strong innings, full of power and resolve, and partnerships with Maroof Khan (43) and Comber (71) saw Clacton increase the run-rate towards a respectable total.

Comber batted superbly for his 73, continuing his early-season form, and it was he and David Sargeant, adding 60 for the eighth wicket, that enabled Clacton to reach a respectable 249 all out.

Fakenham's reply was steady but sure and, despite good bowling, wickets were hard to come by.

They were not helped by six catches being dropped - a factor that proved the difference between winning and losing.

At 205 for three with 11 overs left, things looked bad but an inspired spell of bowling from Williams and Comber turned the match back towards a Clacton win.

Four wickets fell for five runs but Fakenham managed to hold on for a draw.

On Saturday, Clacton are at home to Vauxhall Mallards.

7:49am Thursday 8th May 2008

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