Julian Russell’s thirst for runs shows no sign of diminishing as he helped Colchester and East Essex through to the second round of the Essex League Cup.

Run-poacher Russell, a prolific scorer in Essex League cricket ever since he joined Colchester, was at it again, scoring a sizzling 89 not out off only 81 balls, as Colchester helped themselves to a nine-wicket victory over Chingford.

Chasing 159 to win off 45 overs, Russell and fellow opener Iain McQueen peppered the boundary, sharing 22 fours before McQueen was the sole wicket to fall, for 59.

McQueen was more watchful than Russell, taking 92 balls to score his runs, but the opening stand was the winning factor in the match, along with Colchester’s effective bowling.

New Australian Nathan O’Brien was forced to watch on while McQueen and Russell were going about their business, but he was able to make it to the crease to score the winning runs.

Chingford’s decision to bat first did not look the wisest of choices, as none of their players were able to fully get to grips with Colchester’s seam attack.

Chingford were soon struggling on 82 for six and things were not going to get any better.

McQueen took a single wicket, to go with his second innings runs, although the curse of the no balls threatened to derail his success with the ball.

Alex Young took 1-32 from nine overs, while Ben Stephens enjoyed figures of 2-34 from nine overs.

The pick of the bowlers was the wily Nick Gibbs, who went for just 12 runs from his nine overs, taking two wickets. Skipper Andrew Kennedy took the other two wickets to fall.

The result marks an excellent start for Kennedy’s troops, who are having to make do without a number of prominent players.

Without the Austin brothers Matthew and Joe, Andrew McGarry and Malintha Gajanayake, the side had a very different look about it. although it was the usual face of Russell who once again did the damage.