COLCHESTER and East Essex Cricket Club's batsmen had a day to forget after slumping to a heavy 114-run defeat at Ilford.

Jake Foley's side managed just 59 in their response to the hosts' score of 173 all out, in the Shepherd Neame Essex League premier division clash.

Just two of Colchester's batters managing to make it to double figures at Valentines Park, as the visitors' wait for a first win of the league season continued.

After winning the toss, Ilford chose to bat first and Colchester made a good start.

Darren Eckford quickly removed openers Hamza Muhammad and Saurav Prabhakar to leave the hosts wobbling, on five for two.

But the home side managed to get going after that and their middle order provided stubborn resistance, despite Eckford's heroics.

Eckford eventually ended up with impressive figures of 7-42 in his 21-over spell, with Jack Hebron (3-41) the only other Colchester player to claim any wickets.

Ilford were eventually dismissed for 173 in 50.3 overs and Colchester's batsmen got off to a dreadful start in reply.

Colchester's top-five batsmen managed just 11 runs between them and at one stage, they found themselves teetering on five for four.

Skipper Foley (21) provided some resistance but received little support from those around him.

And although Eckford finished unbeaten on 17, Ilford ran out comprehensive winners.

Colchester are still looking for their first premier division win with the season now four games old.

They will look to get off the mark this weekend when they host Wanstead and Snaresbrook, at Castle Park.

Colchester II are third in the second XI premier division after being held to a frustrating draw by Ilford II, at Castle Park.

Simon Fernandes' performance was the highlight of Colchester's batting performance.

He hit an unbeaten 85 in his side's total of 252 all out, with opener Simon Gilhooly (54) making a half century.

Alex Young (4-42) and Fernandes (3-29) were in fine form to help Colchester restrict Ilford's batsmen.

But with just one wicket remaining, the visitors stubbornly clung on for a draw on 188 for nine.

In third XI division two, Colchester III (163 for nine) lost to Upminster IV (166 for seven) by three wickets.

Oliver Allison (57) top-scored for Colchester while Adam Smith (1-19) bowled economically.