CLACTON Cricket Club manager Gary Kirk admits his side are in pole position for promotion this season.

However, with seven games left, he is refusing to count his chickens just yet.

The Seasiders boosted their Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division three title chances thanks to a 13-run success against rivals Ipswich and East Suffolk, at Vista Road.

The victory took them ten points clear of their rivals at the top of the table and they now face Mistley at Vista Road on Saturday (1pm start).

“It was a great and important win and the lads are a credit to the club,” said team manager Kirk.

“Promotion is very much a possibility but we have to remember we have another seven games left so will concentrate on each game at a time.

“All the players are determined, though, and last weekend proved once again that the club are moving in the right direction.

“We’ve had an injury-blighted season so far, which has meant we haven’t been able to put the same team out twice in a month.

“It’s been frustrating, but it’s given chances to our younger club members and they’ve been fantastic.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team.

“All of the players have performed well so far and the team spirit is brilliant.”

Kirk was also quick to praise those behind the scenes who managed to get the match on, despite heavy rain on Friday.

“Special thanks has to go the groundsman and committee members who ensured the match was able to be played by extending the covered area on Friday,” he said.

“With all the poor weather, many games were rained off so to have played and won puts us in a strong position for the rest of the season.”

Kirk made a rare appearance in the team and added: “It was good to be on the field again after so many years.”