Walthamstow 160 all out

Colchester 160-2

Colchester won by eight wickets

(Division One)

NEWLY-promoted Walthamstow's eagerly awaited first match in Division One ended in anti-climax as Saturday's journey up the A12 proved fruitless.

The day had got off to a bad start as heavy traffic left them struggling to get there on time.

In addition, their strike bowler Shazad Hafeez was ruled out with shoulder ligaments trouble that may keep him out for the next month.

The home side won the toss and put Stow in. However, apart from skipper Scofield, who made a chanceless 86, the batting was very poor and their total of 160 was never going to be sufficient.

Without Hafeez, Walthamstow lacked the fire power to trouble Colchester and their cause was not helped by some wayward bowling.

The home side were simply able to sit back and pick off the long-hops and full-tosses and they cruised home in only 26.4 overs.

Walthamstow have now seen what they are up against and, hopefully, will regain some of their promotion form when they face Hadleigh at home next Saturday.

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