IMRAN Sheikh hit a 68-ball unbeaten century as Clacton beat East Bergholt by nine wickets, in division two of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

The visitors won the toss and chose to bat first at Vista Road.

Clacton made an early breakthrough when Foster spooned a low full toss up in the air, well taken by bowler Bradley Pitts - despite a collision with another player going for the catch.

Pickford, who was given a life early on, then added 42 with Smyth before both were bowled by Ashan Athukoralage, leaving East Bergholt 72 for three.

After a mix up with Gedny, Hayward was run out for one and when Gedny was adjudged LBW to Ryan Chamberlain, the visitors were in real trouble on 112 for five.

Enslin and J McGrath showed some fight with 24 and 28 respectively.

However, when both fell to Chamberlain in his first game as Clacton skipper, East Bergholt collapsed.

Sheikh cleared up the tail, leaving the Seasiders needing 151 to win and secure third spot in division two.

The Clacton batsmen showed little mercy on the visitors' bowling attack.

After an early success for Enslin, Sheikh and Chamberlain scored quickly, regularly taking double figures off bowlers overs.

The change bowlers of Smith, Foster and J McGrath took particular punishment near the end as both batsmen went through their repertoire of shots, paddles and ramps to the boundary.

Sheikh finished on 106 not out (18 fours and two sixes), after hitting two, four and then a six to win the match. Chamberlain ended on 44 not out (37 balls, eight fours) to top off a successful first outing as captain.

Clacton’s last game of the season sees them travel to bottom-of-the-league Exning on Saturday (12.30pm start).