CLACTON Rugby Club swapped their scrum caps and gum shields for willow and leather when they played their annual cricket match against Frinton Rotary Club.

The fixture has become a regular summer feature over the last 10 years and is played at the glorious surroundings of Frinton Cricket Club, in Ashlyns Road.

The match is played as 20-overs-a-side contest, with batsmen having to retire once they reach 25.

The Rotarians batted first and their initial three batsmen – Rob Smith, Chris Harris and Jerry Wedge – all returned to the pavilion undefeated as the Rugby Club bowlers toiled away.

Scott Rodwell was then bowled by Joe Wigfall before Dan Wigfall was pleased to see Paul Holloway hang on to a catch from Brian Wilderspin-Webb and the innings closed on 131 after 20 overs.

A quickfire 25 by Aaron Redpath saw the Rugby Club off to a good start and he was backed up by the same total from Joe Wigfall.

Unfortunately, they then slipped behind the clock in the pursuit of runs and Dan Wigfall and Adrian Nation both fell in one of Keith Hockridge's overs.

Captain Grant Jarmain attempted to steady the ship before he was forced to retire, but run-outs for Jake Buxey and Tom Nation left the lower order with too much to do.

Elliot Shuttleworth, Ben Buxey and Matt Mahoney all tried to force the pace against some tight bowling from Gary Mason, Ross McAuley and Ian Smith, but the Rugby Club innings closed on 116 after 20 overs, leaving the Rotarians the victors by 15 runs.

As always, the game was played in an excellent spirit and both clubs will look forward to the rematch in 2017.