Good weather and exciting cricket brought the crowds flocking to Southchurch Park, Southend, as Essex brought County Cricket to the town.
Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
And the change of scenery clearly suited the county's one-day side as they held their nerve to record a narrow victory against title-chasing Northamptonshire Steelbacks.
Later this week the focus shifts to the four-day game, with Nottinghamshire providing the opposition from Wednesday.
And in a new look to the traditional event, nearby Chalkwell Park is hosting a string of extra events.
Published Monday July 26, 2004
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