CLACTON Cricket Club made up for an early season home loss by piling on the runs at Easton as they stayed third in Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division two.

The Seasiders batted first on what looked like a good surface and openers Imran Sheikh and Scott Facey took no time in putting the pressure on the Easton bowlers.

Regular boundaries, along with good rotation of the strike, saw both men past 50.

With both men with their eye in, Clacton were well set for a big score, gaining maximum batting points, while both openers reached their centuries.

The pair were visibly emotional, having been friends for 17 years on and off the field as they brought up their 250-run partnership.

Their marathon stand was over soon after, as Sheikh was bowled for 130 (18x4’s 3x6’s).

Bradley Turner joined skipper Facey, looking to accelerate further towards 300 and Turner was out for a quick fire 22 (3x4’s 1x6’s), with Facey soon following for 110 (14x4’s).

Ryan Chamberlain, Muhammad Asghar and Ashan Athukoralage pushed the score passed 300 as Clacton finished on 315 for five.

The Clacton bowlers looked to take regular wickets on what was still a good batting surface.

Athukoralage and Turner shared new ball duties, with Turner removing the top three to put the visitors firmly in the driving seat.

There was some middle order resistance, but Sheikh prised out a couple of wickets to continue his fine match performance.

Athukoralage and Turner returned for second spells as Clacton pushed for wickets.

Athukoralage picked up two more wickets, while Turner picked up one and was only cruelly denied his fifth, when he overstepped when the ball had hit the stumps.

Youngster Jack Eastman bowled well in his ten overs, picking up a well-deserved wicket, leaving Clacton 114 run winners, but the Seasiders had to settle for 19 points as the overs ran out before they could take the tenth wicket.

Clacton face Dunmow on Saturday at Vista Road (1pm start).