COLCHESTER and East Essex captain Tom Ullyott is looking for players to “stand up and be counted” and help their depleted side to victory tomorrow.

The club’s batting line-up will be under-strength for the visit of Shepherd Neame Essex League premier division side Wanstead and Snaresbrook to Castle Park (12.30pm start).

Julian Russell, Harry Bush, Joe Barnett, Sam Foster and Cameron Rule are all out, while strike bowler Darren Eckford is also unavailable and Kemsley Robb is likely to miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.

Andrew Kennedy is set to return against Wanstead and Caspar Everett will be promoted to the first XI, as Colchester look to make inroads on the top three.

Ullyott told the Daily Gazette: “It looks like we’re going to struggle for players and it’s a big problem for us at the moment.

“In terms of our batting line-up, we're looking very light.

“There are a lot of players who are unavailable and unfortunately, other commitments take precedence sometimes.

"It’s frustrating but playing cricket every weekend is a big commitment.

"It’s part and parcel of the game - we will have to build on what we’ve got and I’m still positive.

“Hopefully, the players who are coming into the team will stand up and be counted.”

Colchester head into tomorrow’s game 39 points off top spot occupied by Wanstead and Snaresbrook, who have lost only once in the premier division this season.

“Wanstead and Snaresbrook are having a great season so far, so good on them,” said Ullyott.

“They’re doing well in our division and they're also doing well in the national cup competition.

“They have a good bunch of players who are competing well at this level but we'll be looking to win the game.

“I don't think that the wicket will be too dry and hopefully we can win the toss and go from there.”

Colchester’s under-12 Peter Coe Cup side maintained their 100 per cent record by beating Woodford Wells.

Ben Brown took five wickets and captain Archie Sprott took two, as the home side were bowled out for 105.

After a nervous start to the Colchester innings, Sprott went on to make an unbeaten 29 and led the way to a six-wicket win.

Keelan Milburn finished it off with three successive sixes, on his way to 48.