COLCHESTER and East Essex were on the receiving end of a prolific batting display after falling to defeat at title-chasing Hornchurch.

The Castle Park side lost by 92 runs in their Shepherd Neame Essex League premier division clash at Harrow Lodge Park, after the hosts piled on the runs.

After winning the toss, Hornchurch posted a total of 349 for four in their 50 overs, with their openers putting on 218 for the first wicket.

And despite launching a mini-revival after slumping to 50 for three, Colchester were always up against it in their run chase in a game where more than 600 runs were scored in total.

Colchester skipper Tom Ullyott told the Daily Gazette: "As soon as a team gets around 350 batting first, the other side is always going to be struggling.

"But you have to keep going and going in that situation and hopefully get there.

"Unfortunately, it wasn't to be in the end for us and we were never really in contention."

All but two of Colchester's line-up bowled but only Jack Hebron (2-44) and Greg Stephens (2-54) managed to take wickets.

"I think it's fair to say that we've bowled a lot, lot better this season," said Ullyott.

"We conceded a lot of extras, with a lot of wides in particular.

"Hornchurch batted well but to a certain extent, we let them get the runs they did.

"Their openers put on 218 runs for the first wicket and we bowled poorly."

Colchester lost their top-three batsmen relatively cheaply.

And although the likes of Andrew Kennedy (80), Ullyott (52) and Jack Crace (37) helped make a fight of it, it was not to be for the visitors.

Ullyott added: "It looked bleak for us when we were at 50-3, with Jack Hebron and Joe Austin both out.

"To try and reach a target of 350 to win was very difficult, so when I was in I was well aware of the fact that we needed around eight an over.

"There were some positives - I was pleased that we didn't fold and get bowled out for 120 odd, Andrew Kennedy scored 80 and Jack Crace did well again, which was good to see.

"But at the same time, the fact that we weren't able to hit the ground running was a bit frustrating."

There was better news for Colchester the following day when they booked their place at this weekend's Dukes Essex League T20 Finals Day, at Billericay CC.

Colchester (73-1) ran out comfortable nine-wicket winners at Harlow (70-8), in their quarter-final tie.

In the second XI premier division, Colchester (211-5) beat Southend-on-Sea and EMT (207-3) by five wickets but Colchester's thirds (217-9) lost to Wanstead and Snaresbrook IV (218-6) by four wickets.