CANVEY Island captain Laurence Shearcroft says Saturday’s T-Rippon Mid-Essex League Premier Division clash against Brookweald is ‘must win’.

It comes after the early front-runners were beaten for the second consecutive weekend. Bentley were the winners on this occasion, defeating Canvey by 64 runs at Creek Road.

The result leaves Canvey is fourth place in the division, and Shearcroft - who was absent for the defeat - says victory against Brookweald, who are rock bottom of the standings, is a necessity.

“Brookweald is a must win match for us following this defeat,” said the captain. “We have had two defeats in a row but we need to keep working on what we are doing well, as that is plenty.

“Be that as it may they are still defeats and this is one we need to win now. Brookweald have a small ground and they are a batting side so there are factors to consider.

“This is a game we know can have a big effect on our season as morale can change quickly.”

Shearcroft confirmed Ross Casson would captain the side once again in his absence, although it was his brother that led the way against Bentley.

Jamie Casson impressed with bat and ball. He ended with bowling figures of 4-42 as Bentley posted 201/9.

Canvey could manage only 137 in response, with Jamie Casson once again the best scoring man in the middle (39) against a strong Bentley attack.

And Shearcroft accepts his team will not come up against the quality of Bentley every week.

“As far as I am aware we bowled well but Bentley were just too strong for our batting line-up,” he said. “We weren’t expected to beat them but we have been training hard and that’s the only way to get past these guys.

“We don’t want to lose any match but we only expect to be beaten by the top two.

“I expect us to hit back now.”