IT’S the dawn of a new era for rejuvenated Clacton Cricket Club.

And team manager Gary Kirk says team spirit is the best he has known for years, ahead of Saturday’s Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship curtain-raiser at home to St Margarets.

The Seasiders have had a tough close season, pulling out of the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League following a financial settlement with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

Kirk says the club would have gone bankrupt otherwise, because they were facing a bill relating to costs and expenses that could have run to £10,000.

However, far from doom and gloom, he says there is a positive vibe and sense of determination pulsing through the Vista Road club.

“It’s important we start in a positive frame of mind,” said a defiant Kirk.

“We’re just happy to be playing cricket again and want to see how far we can go."

For the full story, see this week's Gazette.