HARWICH and Dovercourt Cricket Club skipper Sam Felgate has reflected on an "epic" victory against Earl Stonham.

The Low Road side won by ten runs in Saturday's Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division five contest - despite batting first and being dismissed for just 93.

However, Adeel Abbas turned the screw and inspired Harwich to victory with stunning bowling figures of seven for 24, in his 13 overs.

It means Felgate's men have won all five of their opening matches and they are proudly sitting top of the table, heading into tomorrow's match at second-placed Ipswich.

"It was a very strange game and an epic result, in the circumstances," said the Harwich skipper, who top-scored with 38.

"I've never known anything like it.

"Having been dismissed so cheaply, we had a massive task on our hands but I told the boys that anything can happen in cricket.

"We got a couple of early wickets and the rest is history, so to speak.

"There's such great spirit within the squad and that momentum got us over the line.

"Ironically, we had a very low-scoring game against them last season and ended up losing, so it was nice to reverse that this time around.

"Both teams bowled very well.

"Their captain took seven wickets and is one of the best bowlers in the league.

"In my opinion, he should be playing at a higher level.

"Adeel was absolutely outstanding for us, though, producing lots of spin and turn.

"He took seven wickets and was our man-of-the-match.

"Mark Davies also bowled very well from the end other end, taking a couple of wickets, and young leg-spinner Tom Humphris also picked up a massive wicket, ending a dangerous batting partnership."

Felgate says he can barely remember his side making such a strong start to the season.

And he says he and his players are relishing the prospect of tomorrow's top-of-the-table contest.

"It's been a really bright start," he said.

"Historically, it takes us seven or eight games to get going but this season we've got such excellent spirit and momentum.

"Personally, I don't ever remember us starting this well and I've been involved with the first team for seven or eight years.

"It's been a breath of fresh air and we want to keep it going as long as possible - hopefully continuing tomorrow.

"Ipswich are a very good side.

"They've got a strong bowling attack and are capable of big scores.

"We're wary and respectful of them, but head into the match in confident mood.

"It's such a big game for us and if we could win, we'd be very well-placed, especially with our following three matches all being winnable."