CLACTON Cricket Club manager Gary Kirk has described his side’s first defeat of the season as a “massive wake-up call”.

The Seasiders are still leading the way in Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division four but suffered a two-wicket defeat at East Bergholt on Saturday.

It was their first defeat of the season, after three straight wins.

And Kirk says the setback has given his players a reality check, heading into this weekend’s home match against fourth-placed Felixstowe.

“We only had ourselves to blame,” said long-serving club stalwart Kirk.

“We threw the victory away with some average cricket at best and it should act as a massive wake-up call for the team.

“They need to bounce back and put in the standard of performances that are expected.”

For the full story and a match report, see this week's Gazette.