MALDON Cricket Club first team skipper Martyn Coker praised bowler Robb Macmillan as his side secured their first win of the season.

After two defeats, Maldon took a three-wicket win against visiting Mistley in their Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division one match at Drapers Farm.

Mistley managed to post 198 for eight but Maldon eased past their total hitting 199 for the loss of seven wickets.

Coker said: “We recorded a much needed first win of the season on Saturday.

“Following our defeats to Sudbury and Mildenhall, we sat down as a team and identified some key areas we need to improve in order for us to raise our standards and take us forward as a team.

“Some new ideas surrounding training and warm ups have been introduced and already seem to be making their mark.

“This was shown on Saturday when we started the game very strongly, conceding only 15 runs from the first ten overs, and completing our first 20 overs in just 50 minutes. We eventually kept Mistley to 198 for eight from their 50 overs, with their Australian Jarred Walsh scoring 106.

“For us, Robb Macmillan was supberb, conceding just 13 runs from his ten overs, and taking two wickets, including the key wicket of Walsh.

“Ian Elliott took two for 33 from his ten overs, while Jack Riley, Toby Pugh and Michael Foster also took wickets. In reply, Jimmy Ainscough (36) and Chris Harris (47) put on 87 for the first wicket, but when both fell in quick succession, Ian Elliott (61) led us to victory with an important innings.

“A partnership of 48 between Ian and myself took us close to the finish line, before some final over nerves led to a tense finale.

“Mark Foster’s four secured victory, and 19 points for us, moving us up to ninth in the early league table.”

Looking ahead to the weekend’s match against Worlington, Coker said: “This is a winnable game for us and we must look to build on this week with another solid performance.”