CLACTON skipper Harlan Greig insists his side can still challenge for honours this season - despite their stuttering start to the new campaign.

The Vista Road outfit have lost three of their opening five Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship second division matches, most recently going down by 38 runs at neighbours Frinton, on Saturday.

It has left them with ground to make up on their rivals above but Greig, who has taken over as captain this season, believes his team will start firing soon - hopefully beginning with tomorrow's home match against Sudbury.

"We've definitely got the skill levels to beat most sides in the division, if we perform as we're capable of," the South African told the Gazette.

"But it's about bringing both components of our game together - our batting and bowling.

"We're only five games in and there's no need to panic yet.

"It's a long season and we can't beat ourselves up too much at this very early stage.

"Our batsmen are capable of scoring big runs but they need time at the crease.

"Once they get to 20 or 30, more runs will follow.

"At the moment, we're not doing that but it only takes one batsman to get runs and that would have a knock-on effect.

"It'll give everyone in the team confidence."

After winning the toss and electing to field, Clacton were delighted to restrict their hosts to an all-out score of 157.

This was thanks to four-wicket hauls for both Greig and Lewis Kirk.

However, Clacton were let down by their batting and stumbled to 119 all out, with their top scorer being opener Kieron Parkes.

"We were really pleased with our performance up to the halfway point and we had them in trouble for the majority of the afternoon," said Greig, 21.

"To get them out for that score was a great effort on a flat pitch.

"At that point, we really fancied our chances of chasing their score down and going on to win.

"But our batting let us down again, just as it has on other occasions this season.

"It's something we're working hard on and I firmly believe it's only a matter of time before we put things right.

"We will get better because the talent and quality is undoubtedly there.

"It's only a matter of time before we start enjoying some big scores."

Clacton will be keen to dust themselves down and get back on the victory trail this weekend, when they host Sudbury.

"Sudbury are playing well at the moment but we beat them twice last season and scored a few runs against them," added Greig.

"In a way, it counts for nothing now but it does help create a more positive energy and gives us extra confidence, knowing we can be successful against them."