CLACTON'S cricketers have posted their first victory of the season in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

The Vista Road side won by 80 runs in their second division match at Dunmow, on Saturday.

It was their third game of the season, having had the first called off because of wet weather before losing at home to Easton.

Now they are off the mark, though, and their success owed much to some strong batting performances.

Australian Brad Turner led the way with 52, while Lewis Kirk contributed 47 and and skipper Scott Facey 45.

Ryan Chamberlain also played a part by chipping in with 32.

It allowed Clacton to reach 230, with Dunmow's Josh Rix being their main destroyer, returning six for 54.

The Seasiders then made a brilliant start with the ball, reducing the hosts to three for 18, four for 20 and five for 37.

Three of the four opening batsmen were sent back to the pavilion before reaching double figures.

The wickets were shared around, although Ashan Athukoralage led the way with three for 38 in his 13 overs.

All-rounder Kirk took two for 32 and there were single wickets apiece for Imran Sheikh, Turner, Bradley Pitts and Kieron Parkes.

Clacton took 20 points from the contest and will now hope to build on it in Saturday's home match against Mildenhall twos.

Like the Seasiders, the Suffolk side have won one and lost one of their opening encounters.