Colchester and East Essex will be hoping to register back-to-back wins this weekend after getting their North Essex Cricket League division one season off to a fine start with victory over Wivenhoe Town.

Last year’s premier division winners, who host Great Bentley on Sunday, ran out seven-wicket winners in their opener.

The league’s premier division has been scrapped with the league restructured into five divisions, in a bid to ensure more cricket for all teams and Colchester have got off to a great start, in the revamped format.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Scott Williams (3-24) claimed three wickets to help restrict visitors Wivenhoe to 144 for eight in their 40 overs.

Ben Stephens (1-24) and Kieran Dale (1-24) also took wickets while Wivenhoe suffered three run outs, with Harry Burnett scoring an unbeaten 52 for the visitors.

In reply, Colchester reached their target within 24 overs and Henry Foster was in excellent fettle, scoring an unbeaten 75 for the hosts.

In division two, Elmstead Grasshoppers (230 for nine) beat West Bergholt (70) by 160 runs.

The Grasshoppers (194 for seven) also beat Boxted (90) by 104 runs, with Jordan Elliott scoring 95.

Harwich and Dovercourt (147 for six) beat Gosfield (146 for eight) by four wickets in division three.

And Little Bardfield Village (272 for two) were also winners after seeing off Cavaliers (144) by 128 runs.

In division four, Copford (297 for five) beat Rayne (184) by 113 runs.

Essex bowler Reece Topley will be back at Castle Park on Saturday for the second annual Rob George Foundation six-a-side festival.

Topley will play for hosts Colchester and East Essex at the event, which is being staged to raise funds for and promote awareness of the foundation.

The charity was founded in memory of former Colchester cricketer Rob George, who died in December 2013 at the age of 21 following a long battle with leukaemia.

In addition to the host club, fellow Shepherd Neame Essex League clubs Chelmsford, Wanstead, Brentwood and Shenfield will also do battle in the tournament and there will also be intermediate and social events.

In addition to the cricket, there will be a bar and barbecue, with a hot evening meal available from 6pm.

The action starts at 9.30am and is expected to finish at 7.30pm – everyone is welcome.