Paul Grayson won the Essex player of the month award for June and received his prize during the Southend Festival from Greg Jephcott, managing director of sponsors Ridley's, the Essex brewer.

During the month Grayson recorded a career best score of 159 against Hampshire at Ilford, made 74 against Derbyshire plus 63 and 76 against Lancashire on a pitch that suited Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan at Old Trafford.

He also notched 74 in the NatWest Trophy match at Northampton. His bowling exploits included a 3-48 against Kent in the National Cricket League and taking four wickets in last week's Championship victory over Middlesex at Southchurch Park, Southend.

"After a slow start, Paul's season has come alive with more from both bat and ball," said Mr Jephcott.

"We are especially delighted because Paul is one of us having worked for Ridleys during the winter."

Essex fans will be able to see Grayson in action at the County Ground from tomorrow when Essex take on Sri Lanka A in a four-day tourist match.

June pride - Paul Grayson is Ridley's player of the month for June

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