CLACTON Cricket Club chairman Gary Kirk has sung the praises of "class player" Imran Sheikh.

The Seasiders' former skipper was in imperious form in last weekend's 59-run success at Kelvedon and Feering, in division two of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

After hitting an unbeaten half-century, Sheikh returned the exceptional bowling figures of four wickets for five runs in four overs.

It helped Clacton, who had earlier finished on 139 for six, skittle their shell-shocked hosts for just 80.

Captain Harlan Greig also claimed four wickets, for 32 runs in 11 overs.

"It was great to see Imran play so well," said delighted chairman Kirk.

"He's a class player in every respect and it was a match-winning performance, for sure.

"His partnership with Matt (O'Brien) was excellent and he built an innings that allowed us to set a really good score in our 35 overs.

"I was really pleased we won the game and the players certainly put in a performance in difficult circumstances.

"I was really pleased for Harlan, too.

"He captained the side really well and his own performance was excellent.

"He and Imran played really well, supported by all the team, especially in the field.

"David Fitzpatrick and James Lee took some exceptional catches that changed the game and all the players chased every ball, which in a low-scoring game makes the difference."

Saturday's terrible weather meant the contest was interrupted on several occasions.

Kirk saluted both sets of players, and the umpires, for giving their all in the wet, gloomy conditions.

"In all honesty, every player deserved so much credit and I'm sure every cricketer will be looking for warmer conditions as the season progresses," he said.

"It was so cold and it rained on and off all day.

"The covers were on and off more than any game I have seen over 40 years.

"The umpires had a difficult game, too.

"The weather was terrible and they had to make sure the safety of the players was paramount.

"They don't always get the credit they deserve but, as a club, we thank them for their management of this game."

Clacton are sixth in division two, with two wins from their opening three games.

Next up is a home match against Braintree on Saturday, with the action getting underway at Vista Road at 1pm.