CLACTON began the defence of their Essex League title.

First, facing an inexperienced Colchester side, they were in no mood to compromise and raced to a 4-0 lead.

The next two periods followed the same pattern, with Colchester unable to contain Clacton’s forwards. By the start of the last quarter, the Seasiders had a ten10-goal advantage and began to let their opponents into the game. The final score of 17-6 to Clacton showed that they remain the firm favourites for this year’s championship.

Their credentials were further underlined with an even more dominant home performance against Chelmsford.

The visitors arrived with two players short and were supplemented by two strong players from Essex University.

However, Clacton poured on the pressure and, with an 11-2 lead by half-time, the contest was well and truly over.

The final score of was 18-4 showed the difference in class between the two sides.