COLCHESTER and East Essex Cricket Club bowler Kieran Savill admits it is vital they bounce back quickly from their first defeat of the Shepherd Neame Essex League division one season.

Darren Eckford’s side host Hutton at Castle Park tomorrow, aiming for an immediate response following their 64-run loss at Harold Wood.

Savill said: “It’s more about how you react to adversity, rather than how you play when you win.

“That’s the test.

“I’m sure we’ll learn from the Harold Wood game and bounce back.

“We play Hutton this weekend and it’ll be a tough game, as they’ll be one of our promotion rivals this season.”

Colchester head into the Hutton game lying in third spot in division one and chairman Andrew Kennedy admits they will be aiming for an improved batting display, after they struggled at the crease against Harold Wood.

“The players felt they did OK but collapsed at the start of the innings,” he said.

“They didn’t apply themselves to the pitch and the game got away from them.

“Harold Wood were the better team in the end but you’re never going to come back from 48 for seven and win the game.

“Hopefully, we can pick up again this weekend but it will be a tough game against Hutton, who finished third last year.

“They will be tough opponents and we will be without some players but we have a reasonable squad this year and we can mix and match a bit.”

Meanwhile, bowler Savill has praised the contribution of player-coach Johnny Bassett-Graham.

The Kiwi has made a big impact since arriving at Castle Park in the spring and is proving to be a big influence.

Savill said: “Johnny has fitted into the club brilliantly and he’s been a great help, both on and off the pitch.

“Having someone around like him who’s played and coached at the highest level is superb.”

Savill, who claimed impressive figures of 5-47 against Harold Wood, is unavailable for their clash with Hutton tomorrow.

However, the long-serving bowler is hoping to feature as much as possible for Colchester throughout the campaign.

He added: “I’m trying to make myself available as much as I can.

“Colchester and East Essex is a great cricket club to play for and I’m lucky to be a part of it.

“I love trying to test myself at the highest level possible and I feel I play my best cricket, the higher I go - I really enjoy rising to the occasion.”