CLACTON Cricket Club chairman Gary Kirk has challenged his in-form players to finish the season with a flourish.

The Seasiders have won their last three Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division two fixtures - the most recent being last week's 38-run success against Sudbury.

They have two matches left - at home to leaders Lakenheath on Saturday before a final-day showdown against struggling Copford on September 22, also at Vista Road.

"Last weekend's victory was another pleasing one for the boys," said long-serving Kirk.

"I wouldn't necessarily say it was a great performance but, as a team, we're getting better, for sure.

"The last two games have been tight finishes and, to be honest, in years gone by we would have probably lost both.

"To chalk up two wins was therefore fantastic and it brings confidence for both the rest of this season and next year.

"We haven't got a big squad - something that has to be addressed in the close season - but each and every player deserves a lot of credit.

"They've worked hard to improve their own performance on the field but also that of the club off the field.

"We're certainly going to push hard during the winter months to ensure we can build on this year.

"That's our aim and our goal."

After losing the toss and being put into bat, Clacton were all out for 135, with South African Harlan Greig top-scoring with 59 and Kieron Parkes making 42.

Sudbury were then skittled for 97.

Skipper Imran Sheikh took three wickets for just three runs in his 11 overs.

All-rounder Greig also returned three wickets, for 13 runs in 4.3 overs, as did Lewis Kirk, for 23 runs in 12 overs.

"Imran must take a lot of credit for the way he's captained the side," said (Gary) Kirk.

"Being captain is not just something that happens on the field of play.

"He's the captain of the club and has done fantastically well.

"Having a small squad means he's had to work hard to get a team out every week, which he has, to his immense credit.

"He's an inspiration.

"Harlan, our overseas player, also deserves huge praise.

"He's proved his class with both bat and ball and we're hoping he'll come back to help us improve again in 2019."