Frinton continue to nurse slender hopes of catching the top three in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League, following a conclusive seven-wicket win over visiting Mildenhall on Saturday.

An in-form Frinton moved to within 50 points of league leaders Sudbury, and within striking distance of Swardeston and Great Witchingham in fourth spot, with four matches remaining.

In fact, had it not been for some recent games being ruined by rain, then the Essex club would have been right in the thick of the title race.

They were always in the driving seat against Mildenhall, despite a solid 40 from experienced opener Andrew Squire at the top of the innings. The Suffolk club were bowled out for 145 in the 43rd over.

Dan Carter took two early wickets (7-1-30-2), with spinner Harry Nightingale (8-1-26-0) also opening the attack, before pace-man Merv Westfield claimed the next three wickets, including that of Suffolk batsman Ben Shepperson, who was bowled for a third-ball duck.

Spinner Kemar Smith then took up the mantle, recording superb figures of 6.2-0-32-5 by taking the last five wickets.

In reply, openers Michael Griggs (42 off 49 balls) and Michael Comber (57 off 62 balls) ensured there would be no scares. Frinton reached their target with seven wickets in hand, off 27.1 overs.

“As a team, we are flying at the moment,” enthused Frinton captain Kyran Young.

“We managed to bowl out Mildenhall cheaply, and then Michael Griggs and Michael Comber again played very positively when we batted, as they have done in recent weeks chasing small targets.

“That was our second win on the trot, but our three previous matches were rained off when we were in strong positions, so in the last five we have been in the front seat.

“If two of those three matches had been completed, then we would have been right up there, but we still have Sudbury (this Saturday) and Swardeston to play, so we have given ourselves a chance.

“The team is full of belief. We’re playing some good cricket and the lads are not really feeling any pressure.

“It’s tightening up at the top of the table, and it could be an exciting finish to the season,” added all-rounder Young.