An embarrassing new record has been broken in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties League, as Harwich and Dovercourt were bowled out for just 12 by Witham seconds.

The division six clash was all over shortly after the tea interval, as Harwich came nowhere near Witham's 189 for nine.

The previous record for lowest score in the league stood at 14 by Easton in division three in 2000.

Chris Hills and Charles Spence ripped into the Harwich batting and within 14 overs, they were skittled.

Hills' left-arm swing bowling proved unplayable and he finished with figures of five for three and Spence three for nine.

Shellshocked Harwich skipper Danny Goff praised the Witham bowlers who did the damage, but admitted his batsmen were at fault as well.

He told the Gazette: "They bowled in the right areas and we could not deal with the swing on a damp wicket.

"A couple of our batsmen played silly shots and it was a case of we missed and they hit.

"I think we will bounce back from this. Everyone was annoyed afterwards and the dressing room was quiet afterwards."

Harwich's innings included eight ducks, with the top score being a paltry four. Goff himself contributed two - his side's third highest score.

Witham II captain Paul Bellehewe said: "It was a feeling of disbelief at first, followed by delight.

"I've been playing cricket for 13 years and its the lowest score I've experienced in a game.

"Harwich bowled well early on and in the right places but we battled away and got a solid foundation.

"They got themselves into a difficult situation because they started getting on to one another.

"But we went out and bowled properly and everything went well for us.

"Our two bowlers - Chris Hills and Charles Spence - were outstanding and they bowled the perfect line and length.

"We came up as champions last year and I'm confident that we can go for another promotion again."