CLACTON have a home-grown gem in their ranks in the shape of Essex all-rounder Michael Comber.

That’s the view of Seasiders team manager Gark Kirk, reflecting on the teenager’s heroics in last week’s East Anglian Premier League opener against Cambridge Granta.

Comber’s bowling performance was exceptional and his figures of eight for 21, including a hat-trick, was a new EAPL record.

It helped his side to a 17-run success at Vista Road and now he will be hoping for more success in tomorrow’s Essex derby at new-boys Halstead.

“Our strength in depth as a club is within the excellent team spirit which has built up over a number of years,” team boss Kirk told the Gazette.

“However, it’s individual performances that win matches.

“Michael had a fantastic weekend and showed a maturity beyond his years.

“He’s under a lot of pressure and the expectation on him is great.

“But he showed why people rate him highly with a fantastic performance against very good opposition.”

Colchester-born Comber, 19, emerged from the club’s youth section and, having worked his way through Essex’s academy, has just signed his first professional contract at The Ford County Ground.

“The club are very proud of Michael,” added Kirk.

“He’s come through the youth section of the club, worked hard and deserves to do well.

“Although it’s only the start of the season, Michael has made his intentions very clear – as have we as a club.

“However, we remain very focused on what we need to do and we will see what the season holds.”

Halstead, meanwhile, will be hoping to get their first victory, having been promoted last summer from the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship.

They suffered a nine-wicket defeat at Fakenham in their first game last Saturday.