A BRUTAL display with bat and ball saw Clacton beat Long Melford by 268 runs, in division two of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

The hosts were asked to bat first on what proved a very good batting wicket, at Vista Road.

Imran Sheikh and Scott Facey made a rapid start, adding 40 in just four overs, before the former was bowled by a Wade in-swinger.

This was to be the only Long Melford success for the next 31 overs, as Facey and Ryan Chamberlain put the bowlers to the sword with a partnership of 214.

Superb stroke play was shown by both batsmen, with a combination of power and delicate shots as they secured maximum batting points for the home side. Facey was eventually caught off Newman for 114 (103 balls), including 16 fours and a six.

Chamberlain and Brad Turner continued the onslaught with 37 off four overs before Turner holed out in the deep for 21 off 13 balls (three fours and one six).

Once notching up his first ton of the season, Chamberlain accelerated dramatically, adding 72 with Brad Pitts off the last four overs, pushing Clacton above 350 in their 45 overs.

Chamberlain’s mammoth innings of 162 not out lasted 132 deliveries and included 20 fours and six sixes.

Long Melford came out looking to play their shots in pursuit of the massive total but were under pressure with some extra pace and bounce from the Clacton opening pair of Pitts and Turner.

After his cameo earlier on, Turner showed good aggression, securing his first five-wicket haul of the season, helped by some good catching in the outfield. Pitts used his height well to pick up three wickets, while Imran Sheikh and Lewis Kirk finished off the tail.

The only real resistance came from Byford, Hale and B Pettit, who were the only Long Melford batsmen to make double figures.

After a tough day in the field for the visitors, they were bowled out for 95, leaving Clacton winners by 268 runs.

On Saturday, Clacton travel to Lakenheath looking for another 20 points (1pm start).