Russ Everson had a day to remember – in more ways than one – as Frinton secured a thrilling tie from their division one encounter with Mildenhall.

The coastal club’s skipper was unable to be there because he was attending his sister’s wedding.

However, he received a steady supply of text messages throughout the big day as news filtered in from Ashlyns Road.

Everson told the Gazette: “It was an amazing day.

“I was giving my sister away at her wedding but still getting regular updates on the cricket.

“I received text messages every five to ten overs and then, when it was going down to the wire, couldn’t wait to get the speeches over with so I could ring someone!

“It was such a close game and a brilliant effort by the boys.

“We had a weakened side but people who hadn’t been in form or were unproven chipped in.”

Mildenhall, last season’s division one runners-up, batted first and made 206 for seven, with Tom Lawes the pick of the Frinton bowlers with figures of four for 63.

The hosts were then wobbling on 90 for five but were indebted to some key contributions from Joe Hall (41), Rob Everson (30), Lawes (16 not out) and new signing Chai Pandya (17).

“We needed 11 off the final over and then eight from the last two balls,” said Everson.

“Chai hit a six over long-on from the penultimate ball and then we sneaked a single for the draw.

“With such a young side playing experienced opposition, it was a brilliant result.”

Frinton now bid farewell to vice-skipper Will Baines, who is moving to Dubai.

They are fifth in division one and the highest-placed Essex side, just ahead of Coggeshall, who won by 21 runs against Exning.

Batting first, Jimmy Rees’ side made 179 for nine and then managed to skittle Exning for 158.

It was a bad day for the county’s other three top-flight sides, though.

Wivenhoe are second from bottom after a five-wicket defeat against Copdock and Old Ipswichians, Mistley lost by three wickets to Ipswich and East Suffolk and Abberton were defeated by 59 runs against Sudbury.