CLACTON started the new East Anglian Premier League campaign with a draw at Fakenham.

After losing the toss, they were asked to bat first - an easy decision in light of all of the rain which had made conditions very difficult for the early batsmen.

Clacton got off to a poor start, seeing the first three batters back in the pavilion with only 36 on the board.

But their strong middle order steadied the ship and, with improving conditions, started to accumulate runs.

New overseas player and coach Craig Williams played a strong innings, full of power and resolve, and partnerships with Maroof Khan (43) and then Michael Comber (71) saw Clacton increase the run-rate towards a respectable total.

Young Comber batted superbly for his 73, continuing his early season form, and it was he and David Sargeant, adding 60 for the eighth wicket, that enabled Clacton to reach 249 all out - a very respectabale total given the start and conditions.

Fakenham's reply was steady but sure and, despite good bowling from the Clacton side, wickets were hard to come by.

This was not helped by no fewer than six catches being dropped - a factor that proved the difference between winning and losing.

At 205 for three with 11 overs left, things looked bleak for the away side but an inspired spell of bowling from both Williams and Comber turned the match back towards a Clacton win.

Four wickets fell for five runs but Fakenham managed to hold on for a draw.

Seasiders skipper Martin Smith said: "We showed tremendous spirit for such a young side, something that was lacking last year.

"We were up against it for long periods of the game but the guys stuck together and, in the end, if we had held our catches, we would have won the game."