PROUD Clacton manager Gary Kirk says team spirit and a positive mindset were key ingredients in Saturday’s crucial win against Copdock and Old Ipswichian.

The Seasiders have risen to the top of Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division three after winning by 33 runs at Vista Road on Saturday.

“Winning and collecting 20 points to go top of the league was our ambition at the start of the day and that’s exactly what we achieved,” said a delighted Kirk.

“The team should be very proud of themselves and all the players knew they’d been in a great game when they came off the field.

“They stuck to their task, tried really hard on a poor pitch and, even when things didn’t go so well, kept a positive mindset.

“Our team spirit got us through.

“Given that we continue to struggle to get the same team out every week, this was a great performance.

“Team spirit is the key and this is the best set of lads I’ve seen at the club for years.

“We know things will get tough over the next few weeks and months but can only try our best, stick together and, above all else, enjoy our cricket.”

There was no doubting Clacton’s star performer – all-rounder and man-of-the-match Lewis Kirk.

Gary’s son, who struggles to play every week due to work commitments, really put his stamp on a hard-fought game.

His 90 not out, contained 11 fours and two towering sixes, ably backed up by Brad Turner’s 53, were the only highlights when Clacton lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a very difficult, unpredictable Vista Road wicket.

Kirk then showed just what a good player he is by producing a fine spell of seam bowling, returning figures of three for 50 from 13 overs.

Seasiders manager Gary Kirk – Lewis’ dad – said special mention should also go to Iain Vine and Mo Asghar.

Vine was a late substitute wicketkeeper, while the latter injured himself diving to save runs on the boundary.

He now looks set for a few weeks on the sidelines.