The area's top two sides go head-to-head tomorrow in the battle of north Essex.

Halstead and Clacton clash in the East Anglian Premier League at Star Stile, while still getting used to the new style of cricket the league brings.

Indeed it is Halstead's first match at the new level, although they enjoyed a convincing friendly win over Essex Leaguers Grays and Chadwell at the weekend.

Team secretary Trevor Cooper said: "This season is very much an experiment. Most clubs are going into it with a very open mind. It should make for a lot more interesting cricket."

On Clacton, Cooper said: "We've had some extremely good games with them over the years and we've got a good relationship.

"The matches are hard-fought but there are no hard feelings in the bar afterwards."

Clacton vice-captain Gary Kirk believes the Seasiders can build on Saturday's opening draw against Cambridge St Giles.

He said: "Hopefully we will take confidence into the game against Halstead. They have a few new players in their squad, so it's not a case of us knowing them."

One of the new faces Clacton will be up against is Mistley's Richard Pineo who has signed on for Halstead in the East Anglian League - despite an offer from Clacton.

Essex's Tim Walton and Darren Robinson are also registered for Halstead although neither will play tomorrow.

New signings Richard Hayes and Chris Warne will make their debuts, but Neal Dakin, who made a century against Grays, is unavailable along with bowler Simon Harrington.

Cooper added: "We've got a squad of 15 regular players and I feel we've got strength in depth. We should be able to cope with losing a couple of players."

Clacton welcome back Ian Morton tomorrow - Mark Comber is likely to make way - before the Seasiders entertain Tring Park in the National Club Championship on Sunday at Vista Road.

In the Osborne League, Colchester and East Essex will face a thorough examination.

They face a key weekend, playing both of last season's top two. Steve Whent's side line up at home to Maldon tomorrow before making the short trip to Boxted to play the reigning champions on Sunday.

Two victories would give the Castle Park outfit four wins out of four completed matches and put them in an early position as title favourites.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.