Colchester and East Essex keep the pressure on the top two

Their 62-run triumph means that they are a point off second-placed Buckhurst Hill, with all of the team contributing to the win.

Four of Colchester’s batsmen scored 31 runs or above, while a further four claimed two wickets apiece in the victory.

It was a result and performance that boosted their promotion hopes, as they look to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

Foley said: “It was a very good win and team performance.

“We adapted well and put into place some of the things that we needed to work on.

“When we’ve played away this season, we’ve not adapted to the grounds and the conditions as well as we’d have liked.

“It’s very easy to think that we’re going to play at Castle Park every week when in reality, we’re not.”

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Colchester scored a respectable 217 in just under 50 overs.

Fifteen-year-old Ben Robinson, who made his debut for the first XI, batted at number three and top-scored with 39.

Simon Fernandes (31) was also a leading performer, along with the likes of Ollie Lovejoy (34) and Denson Narayan (34).

“We managed to score 217, which was a good score,” said Foley.

“Young Ben Robinson came in on his debut and scored 39 and batted superbly.

“Ben is 15 years old – he’s a very talented player and it was his first-team debut.

“We all know that he can play like that and he’s showed he was comfortable playing for us.

“Simon Fernandes also batted very well, for his 31.

“He was very level headed when he batted and he also kept superbly.”

Narayan (2-10), Foley (2-40), Ollie Bocking (2-31) and Darren Eckford (2-27) were all in the wickets, as Colchester dismissed Hainault for 155 to claim victory.

Foley added: “With the ball, everyone did well and it’s key that everyone is taking wickets.

“Everyone wants to bowl and when they get the ball, they want to do well.”

Colchester’s second XI remain bottom of the Second XI Premier Division after losing by 163 runs to Ilford.