TEENAGER Josh Rymell hit a fine century on his first-team debut as Colchester and East Essex made comfortable progress in the Essex League Cup.

The talented 16-year-old scored 114 off 107 balls and put on a colossal first-wicket partnership of 263 with fellow opener Julian Russell as the hosts beat Loughton by 208 runs in their first-round clash, at Castle Park.

Colchester made 322 for eight in their 50 overs and the visitors could only muster 114 all out in reply, with teenager Ben Allison claiming 4-23 in his impressive seven-over spell.

Newly-installed captain Jake Foley said: “It was an excellent start to the season for us.

“We had a good friendly win over Copdock the previous week and we followed that up with a really good victory over Loughton.

“Everyone’s in good spirits.

“When we got put into bat, the two openers did a great job.

“I think it was 250 without loss at one stage and that made it a lot easier for the rest of the boys, from then on.

“Ben Allison got off us off to a good start with the ball and it was nice to wrap the game up early."

Foley had special words of praise for Essex Academy player Rymell, following his memorable maiden appearance for Colchester's first XI.

He said: “Josh certainly didn’t look like a 16-year-old out there and he batted superbly.

“He’s a talented player with a lot of potential."

Colchester's first team will be hoping to make further progress in the competition when they host Hornchurch at Castle Park, on Saturday.

Colchester's second XI also enjoyed a successful start to their season with a convincing win at Loughton.

In a 40 over-a-side match, Loughton batted first and were restricted to 187 for eight, with club chairman Andrew Kennedy and Krishi Verma taking three wickets apiece.

Colchester then chased down their target, with 2.3 overs to spare.

A 70-run opening partnership between Feroze Ahmed and Adnan Hashmi provided an excellent start.

Ahmed went on to top score with 55, including four sixes.

Kennedy (45 not out) and skipper Nic Patel (18 not out) then took Colchester home.