Arctic conditions at Vista Road failed to freeze the nerve of Frinton who hammered reigning PDQ Cars League premier division champions Clacton by nine wickets.

Martyn Cull (54), settled into his stride as the home side raced to 86 for one at a rate of five runs an over.

Frinton's spinners then took control - the miserly Trevor Moulton bowling his ten overs for 24 runs, before last year's first team bowler of the year Nick Patel ripped through the Clacton middle/lower order.

He finished with final figures of five for 22.

The ageless Tony Stubbs chipped in with two wickets as Clacton went into freefall, from 86 for one to 180 all out in the 44th over.

Only Maroof Khan offered resistance, left stranded on 40 not out.

In reply, Moulton took advantage of an early let off, and made Clacton pay with a magnificent undefeated 78, while Ben Foakes (61 not out) again showed maturity beyond his years to help Clacton comfortably home.

The pair put on 131 to give Frinton early season promise.

Elsewhere in the premier division, Maldon showed little sign of ending their struggles which blighted their last campaign as they were beaten by Mistley.

There was an extraordinary performance in division two where Great Bentley's Matt Fowler took seven for six, including a hat-trick.

His side had made just 88 against Boxted, but his herioc performance removed the visitors for just 30.