Ronnie Irani was at his brilliant best as Essex collected the victory they needed to preserve their totesport First Division status in the day-night clash against Glamorgan at Chelmsford.

Inspired - Essex captain Ronnie Irani made an unbeaten 150

He hammered an unbeaten 158 from 145 deliveries in recording his highest score in limited-overs cricket to lead the county to a massive 316 for four.

And then he juggled his bowlers effectively as the Welsh county were toppled for 153 runs in only 26.3 overs to leave the county victors by 163 runs, their biggest league triumph in terms of runs.

It has to be admitted that Glamorgan, who clinched the title a fortnight earlier, were without front-line bowlers Simon Jones, Michael Kasprowic and Alex Wharf.

But that was hardly Irani's fault and their absence should not be used to belittle his performance.

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Published Tuesday, September 7, 2004

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