Halstead Cricket Club first-team coach Phil Toogood paid tribute to the Star Stile groundstaff as their work paved the way for his team to record their third win in a row against the odds.

With damp overhead conditions and the pitch wet under foot, Halstead’s Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship division one game against Elmstead Grasshoppers may have been in doubt.

However, Toogood hailed the work of those who prepare the Star Stile ground as it allowed them to secure a 45-run win in a game that was reduced to 40 overs a side.

“I was amazed that we got through an 80 over match in those damp and overcast conditions,” said Toogood.

“However, when asked to bat after losing the toss, we discovered the pitch was the best we’d played on so far this season.

“The outfield was superb too, even in wet conditions.

“A big thank you goes out to all those people behind the scenes that prepare the wicket, ground and facilities.

“Without them and that extra effort they put in to keep the game playable, we would not have played and achieved that valuable 19 points for the win.”

Halstead now head to Coggeshall for a local derby today.