BEN Stephens was pleased to chalk up his first five-wicket haul of the season at Buckhurst Hill.

But the talented bowler admitted he was equally frustrated that his fine performance did not end with a Colchester and East Essex win.

Stephens and his team-mates had to be content with a draw in their Shepherd Neame Essex League premier division match, at Roding Lane.

But he was nevertheless happy with his contribution of 6-50 from the 19 overs he bowled, which included five maidens.

Stephens told the Daily Gazette: "It's always nice to get wickets.

"It was just frustrating that Buckhurst Hill came out and stonewalled it and we couldn't get the last two that we needed to win.

"Things went well in my first spell but they clicked even better in my second spell.

"It was nice to get my first five-wicket match under my belt for the season.

"I'm quite fortunate in that I don't have to train much - I just carry on doing what I have to do.

"Everything clicked against Buckhurst Hill but I never get ahead of myself.

"One week I could bowl really well and only take one wicket whereas the next week, I might bowl OK and end up taking a few."

Colchester are still searching for their first league win of the season, following the draw at Buckhurst Hill.

After winning the toss, the hosts inserted Colchester into bat and after opener Jack Hebron made 13, they made good progress.

A 91-run partnership between opener Julian Russell (58) and Tom Ullyott (68) helped the visitors make good inroads.

However, their lower-order batsmen struggled to make an impact and Colchester lost their final five wickets for just 24 runs, as they were dismissed for 234.

Kiwi Darren Eckford dismissed Ricky Reynolds for a duck and fellow opener Sacha Duran (20) departed soon after.

When Buckhurst Hill were reduced to 55-4, it looked like Colchester were heading for victory.

An 83-run partnership stalled the visitors' progress but at 147-8, the home side were wobbling.

However, Buckhurst Hill held on for a draw on 172-8, as Colchester picked up 12 points including nine bonus points.

Colchester II (132) lost to Buckhurst Hill (161-6 dec) by 29 runs, in the second XI premier division.

In third XI division one, Colchester III (134-6) drew with Harold Wood (200-7 dec).

Colchester got their Essex League Twenty20 campaign off to a winning start with a three-wicket triumph at Hadleigh and Thundersley.

Jake Foley (5-15) helped Colchester limit their hosts to 114-7 and the visitors reached their target with a ball to spare, on 115-7.