HARWICH and Dovercourt Cricket Club got back to winning ways with a comprehensive 117-run victory over previously undefeated Needham Market.

Needham won the toss and elected to bowl first, as they had done convincingly in their first two games of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship season.

Harwich's line-up, which saw 13-year-old Harvey Bennett making his debut, got off to a good start with the bat in the division five contest on Saturday.

The returning Jack Newell and Brandon Carter put on 40 for the first wicket before both fell in quick succession.

Tight bowling from openers Jordan Dye and Robert Hill meant the in-form Steve Bushell and danger man Adeel Abbas had to work hard for runs initially, but soon they started to up the run-rate.

Abbas made Needham pay for some dropped catches by making 55 and, with Bushell, took the score to 123.

When Abbas departed, Mark Barwood came to the crease and, ably supported by both Bushell brothers and Cameron Rose, he took the Harwich score to a very competitive 223 for five.

Barwood showed class is permanent with an elegant 47 not out.

Harwich knew they needed to get out of the blocks quickly in the field and they did just that.

The usual opening attack of Steve Bushell and Mark Davies made early in roads.

This time, Davies struck first with two quick wickets, both caught behind by Richie Bushell.

Steve was not to be outdone and continued his early-season form with the ball to run through the Needham batting line-up, eventually taking five for 52 as Needham collapsed to 66 for nine.

A late flurry of hitting by Needham skipper Mark Dye and son Jordan saw Needham reach three figures but Jordan eventually fell for 43 to the young Owen Brand, who took his first senior wicket and became Richie Bushell's third catch of the day.

Harwich claimed a full 20 points and will now look to take this form away to Nacton tomorrow.

It promises to be a tough game but also a good marker for the remainder of the season.

Harwich's second team welcome Eight Ash Green's seconds to Low Road tomorrow. Spectators are welcome.

Any youngster wishing to come and play cricket is welcome at the club.

Harwich have a number of junior sides, from 11 to 15-year-olds.

For more details, contact Dianne Bennett on 07773 602886.