Frinton got their division one campaign under way but suffered a dramatic three-run defeat at Exning.

Batting first, the Suffolk side made 215 but Russ Everson’s men fell agonisingly short, being all out for 212.

Despite making a disappointing start, they have high hopes for the new season and are looking for some of their young guns to flourish.

Vice-skipper and opening bowler Will Baines told the Gazette: “This year, we’ve continued to develop a core of talented young players from our colts system.

“Some of the senior players have been put out to graze, allowing our competitive youth to cement their place in the first team.

“With the experience around them, I’m sure they’ll build on some impressive displays from last year and these are exciting times for a hungry and ambitious club.”

Elsewhere in the top division, Abberton won the Essex derby at Coggeshall, triumphing by 78 runs. Batting first, they accumulated 245 for nine before skittling their hosts for just 167.

It was closer at Vicarage Meadow, though, where hosts Elmstead Grasshoppers (196 for eight) suffered a slender one-wicket defeat against Copdock and Old Ipswichians (202 for nine).

It was also a tense affair as Mistley (254 for seven) sneaked a 12-run victory at home to Mildenhall (242).

Wivenhoe (157) suffered a five-wicket defeat at home to Sudbury (158 for five).

Maldon continued their impressive start to the new division two season.

Gunning for an immediate return to the top flight, they made it two victories out of two thanks to a five-wicket success at Brockley.

They strangled their hosts with some tight bowling, to the extent that Brockley took 45 overs to reach 112.

The pick of the Maldon bowlers were Gary Bannister, with three for 27, and Robbie Barber, with three for 11.