Essex took a gigantic leap towards First Division survival when they saw off the challenge of fellow-struggles Kent by 35 runs in their totesport League clash at Colchester.
It was a triumph built on the foundation of a tremendous opening partnership of 196 between skipper Ronnie Irani and the in-form Will Jefferson.
They simply destroyed the visiting attack during the 33 overs they were together and Kent were relieved that they were only faced with a 267 for six total.
But it was one they never seriously threatened and they closed on 232 for seven, with Graham Napier picking up four wickets.
From the moment they took guard Irani and Jefferson were in control, continually peppering or clearing the boundary boards as runs flowed freely.
The punishment inflicted was such that 84 of the first 100 runs arrived in boundaries, that particular landmark being raised in the 18th over.
Only a misunderstanding eventually brought the stand to an end when Irani was run out by Matthew Walker's direct throw from square leg, two short of his second ton of the campaign.
Irani hammered half-a-dozen sixes among his dozen boundaries while scoring his runs from 111 deliveries.
Jefferson also missed out on his century, being three short when he was trapped lbw by Alex Loudon's offspin.
His runs came from 94 balls with 11 fours and two sixes.
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Published Monday August 23, 2004
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