Witham captain Peter Allen is confident his side can cope with the blow of losing star player Cody McDonald.

Long-serving player McDonald is unlikely to be able to play for the club this season, as he has signed professional terms with recently relegated Coca-Cola Championship club, Norwich City.

The terms of his contract with the Canaries are likely to mean that he will be unable to continue playing cricket at The Park.

Skipper Allen admitted that it was disappointing to lose a player of McDonald’s quality.

However, he said everyone at Witham Cricket Club is delighted to see the youngster doing so well, in his chosen sport.

Allen said: “It was a big blow to lose Cody.

“But it’s great for the club to see him doing so well.

“He was a great cricketer for us and he’s also a great guy.”

Witham enjoyed a fruitful day with the bat last weekend.

All three of their sides were in the runs in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship, with the first XI beating Brightlingsea by 125 runs, to chalk up their second successive win.

Richard Green continued his prolific start to the season, smashing 126, while Michael Headley scored an impressive 77, as Witham coasted to victory.

“Richard played very, very well to get his 100,” said Allen.

“I think he’s got more than 200 runs in his first three innings this season.

“He is certainly one of the players we can rely upon to get our runs.

“Michael Headley has been in the side for the last few years.

“He had been batting as a number seven but when we lost Cody McDonald he moved up the order.

“He played really well against Brightlingsea.”

For more on this story, see this week's Witham and Braintree Times.