AN uncharacteristic batting collapse saw Clacton suffer their second Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship defeat of the season, at home to Dunmow.

Having post 315 the previous week, Clacton looked to put the pressure on the visitors by batting first on a glorious day at Vista Road.

Unfortunately things did not go to plan, finding themselves 88 for six as their usually-reliable top order had a bad day.

The only resistance came from Imran Sheikh, who made 64 before being dismissed by Matt Gibson, leaving the hosts 112 for seven.

Brad Pitts offered some lower-order resistance, hitting six boundaries in his 31 before himself and Kieron Parkes became Gibson’s sixth and seventh wickets in successive deliveries.

Clacton eventually finished well under par on 133 all out.

The Dunmow openers came out looking to be aggressive in pursuit of a modest total.

Luke Swanston and Nav Ali moved the score onto 46, before Ali picked out mid-off from a Sheikh delivery, from the last ball before tea.

Clacton fought hard after the interval and Ashan Athukoralage and Sheikh bowled well in tandem to put some pressure on the visitors.

Nick Kesingland was given a slice of luck on three, when Pitts took a superb catch at long on, only to overstep the boundary.

With the players celebrating, Pitts showed good sportsmanship not claiming the catch.

Athukoralage finished with three wickets but was unable to prevent Paul Reid and Kesingland putting on 75 for the fifth wicket to win the game.

Clacton will look to regroup next week, away to Mildenhall's second team (1pm start).