MALDON skipper Martyn Coker was disappointed with his side’s opening day defeat against Sudbury.

Coker’s side fell to a 217-run Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division one defeat against a strong Sudbury side, who are laying down a marker for the rest of the season, at Drapers Farm.

On a good wicket the visiting batsmen set a big total of 373 for five, with openers Tom Huggins and Nathan Poole leading the way.

In reply, Maldon could only muster 156 runs.

Cocker said: “Despite it being a disappointing start to the season, we must stick together and train well this week ahead of our trip to Mildenhall on Saturday.

“Jimmy Ainscough (39), Reece Bawden (30) and Gary Bannister (33) all showed positive signs with the bat for the summer ahead.

“However, the final total of 156 was well below what we should have scored on that pitch.”

Coker, though, was full of praise for Sudbury’s opening pairing with the bat.

He said: “After losing the toss in fantastic batting conditions, Sudbury openers Huggins and Poole dominated proceedings.

“Suffolk captain Huggins, making his debut for Sudbury after a winter move from East Anglian Premier League side Bury St Edmunds, was in superb form, making a chanceless 180 from 137 balls.

“By the time he was dismissed in the 41st over, him and Poole had taken the game away from us.”

Coker though is looking for a response from his side for the rest of the season.

He said: “It was a difficult day for our young side in the field, and the quick and bumpy Drapers Farm outfield didn’t help.

“However, we have no excuses and must improve hugely if we are to compete in the field this season.”