Andrew McGarry produced the best performance of his short first-class career as Essex continued to hand out a lesson to the Cambridge UCCE students at Fenners.

The 21-year-old Basildon-born paceman claimed 5-27 and, while the opposition was inferior to say the least, his display earned a nod of approval from bowling coach Neil Foster.

"This could just be the boost he needs to get his career started," said the former England fast bowler.

"It's a confidence factor with him. Andy bowled consistely well for the Seconds last year but seemed to lack the necessary confidence whenever he stepped up to the first team.

"I can vouch that he has worked tremendously hard in the nets since the beginning of the year so it's nice to see him get some reward for his efforts. Now he has to show he has the ability to build upon it."

McGarry was easily the best bowler on view as he extracted more life from a benign pitch than anyone else.

Aussie Scott Brant, Ronnie Irani and Jon Dakin each claimed one wicket while sending down 44 overs between them.

And off spinner James Middlebrook picked up 2-29 as the students were bowled out for 173, of which Vikram Kumar made 41.

This left Essex with a massive first innings lead of 324 and by the close they had stretched it by a further 190 for the loss of Paul Grayson.

Moved up to open the innings, Grayson made 90 - containing 11 boundaries - before he was caught behind off spinner Arfan Akram, who is a member of the Essex Academy.

At the close Aftab Habib had reached 72 with Irani keeping him company on 18.

The opening day had proved no more than a useful "net" for the Essex batsmen as they amassed 497-6 declared while sending the students chasing leather to all parts of the ground.

Will Jefferson led the way by collecting 21 boundaries in his 125 from 122 deliveries, and Darren Robinson struck 12 fours in his 89.

Published Monday, April 14, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo