Darren Robinson and James Foster helped themselves to half-centuries as Essex recovered from a disastrous start in their two-day friendly against Middlesex at Chelmsford.

But their efforts still left the county trailing by 117 on first innings. It was agreed that both teams would bat no longer than 55 overs first time round and, after Middlesex posted a formidable 289 for 4, thanks to Owais Shah and Sven Koenig, Essex responded with 172 for 7.

The only plus point among the Essex bowlers was provided by Andrew McGarry, who in the last couple of seasons has failed to deliver.

The 21-year-old quickie, off a much shorter run, bowled with encouraging control without significant loss of pace. His figures of 1 for 50 from a dozen overs did not do him justice, while the other bowlers suffered against Shah and Koenig.

Shah put Essex out of their misery only when he retired on 104, while Koenig departed two short of his century to Aftab Habib's superb catch.

Essex were soon in trouble in reply as Will Jefferson and Paul Grayson fell to Ben Gannon for ducks.

Habib fell as he reached double figures, but Robinson brought some sanity.

On 52, however, he was undone lbw by Thos Hunt, a dismissal which paved the way for Ronnie Irani and Foster (51) to share in a stand of 62 before Gannon struck.

He had Irani caught at slip for 39 and then breached the defences of Middlebrook.

Published Thursday, April 10, 2003

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