CLACTON bowler Lewis Kirk believes last week’s convincing victory against East Bergholt acted as a timely confidence-booster heading into Saturday’s showdown against new leaders Coggeshall.

The Hare Field side have taken over at the top of Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division two after beating previous pacesetters Ipswich by 103 runs on Saturday.

However, Clacton are fourth and harbouring their own promotion ambitions heading into this weekend’s crunch clash between the sides.

They boosted their chances with a 112-run victory at Bergholt – hero Kirk took the remarkable bowling figures of nine for 37 – having lost by nine wickets against Ipswich the previous Saturday.

“Our victory was a perfect response to the previous week’s defeat,” said long-serving Kirk.

“Collectively, we were so disappointed to flounder like that so to bounce back with such style will give us no end of confidence, especially heading into another important match at Coggeshall.

“They’re top with a game in hand and they’ve got a very good team.

“We’re very strong too, though, and on our day we can beat anyone.

“Last week was obviously brilliant for both myself and the team although, ironically, it’s probably been my worst-ever start to a season.

“I’m not sure why or what’s happened but, by my standards, it just hasn’t gone well.

“Hopefully now both the team and I can kick on, though.

“We’re nearly halfway through the season and it would be great to think we could win this weekend and push for promotion.

“The only reason we didn’t go up last season was because key games were washed out by the weather.”

Lewis’ dad, Gary, is the club manager and has been a key figure on and off the pitch for many years. He can rightly be regarded as Mr Clacton Cricket Club.

“A passion both for cricket and the club has been instilled in me by my dad,” added Kirk.

“He’s put so much time and effort into the club over many years and so to perform well for the team and make him proud makes me extremely happy.”

Reflecting on his son’s heroics last week, Gary himself added: “I’m so proud of Lewis. He’s struggled with form over the past few weeks but, importantly, he’s trained hard and retained confidence in his own ability.

“Throughout my career I didn’t take nine wickets in a match so he really is the best bowler in the household!”

Kieron Parkes top-scored with 46.

Kirk made 36 and Haydn Erfurth 35.

Imran Sheikh took the other Bergholt wicket.