WOODBRIDGE v CLACTON

Marshall Hatchick Two Counties

Championship division three

(Woodbridge won by five wickets)

CLACTON’S cricketers were left ruing a poor batting display as they went down by five wickets at Woodbridge.

Imran Sheikh (pictured) scored another half-century but struggled to find any real support as the visitors were bowled out for just 156.

There were starts from Mo Asghar, Iain Vine, Brad Turner and Dave Fitzpatrick, but all were out for under 20 runs.

On a good batting pitch, Andy Oswald ran through the top order, taking five for 66 after receiving some early punishment from Sheikh.

The tenth-wicket partnership of Danny Occleshaw and Jack Eastman, of 26, showed the rest of the side how it was done, earning another batting bonus point.

When Occleshaw was the last man out, Clacton knew they would have to bowl well to claim the points.

The opening pair of Turner and Billy Occleshaw found some early movement with the new ball, but were unable to make a breakthrough on the unresponsive wicket.

The introduction of spin again proved key, with Adam Green caught at deep mid-wicket by Billy Occleshaw off Matt Fowler.

Sheikh then bowled Glen Machan to give the Seasiders a glimmer of hope.

Fowler continued from the other end, picking up the wickets of James Harris and Ryan Scopes – the latter thanks to a sharp slip catch from Sheikh.

Kieron Parkes was brought on to break the partnership between the Parkers – Ed and Matt – which he duly did, but it was too little, too late as Ed and Sam Hall knocked off the winning runs.

On Saturday, Clacton face Little Bardfield at home (1pm start).