Saturday saw Essex engaged in a day/night National League affair against Lancashire at Old Trafford, and the visitors lost out by a seven wicket margin

It was certainly 'an all the fun of the fair' carnival atmosphere as pre-match entertainment included a team of Sky Divers, a Disco Show, Steel Band, German Oompah Band, Balloons and Bouncy Castles.

There was a mascot named 'Sugar' who was kitted out as a Dinosaur perhaps reflecting the tone of the day that any links with traditional cricket in this environment is confined to history.

Rockets greeted the fall of each Essex wicket captured by the home side and boundaries from both teams also received the full treatment of deafening music.

The only disappointing feature for the crowd of 8003 - and praise to Lancashire for sparing no expense in their efforts to attract a new audience - was that the wicket was not conducive to exciting one-day cricket as Essex were bowled out for 168 from 442 overs with only eight boundaries and one six included in that total.

Ronnie Irani hit 64 but a wicket, offering seam movement, hindered attempts to match the quality of the cricket with that of the highly charged entertainment ambiance.

Lancashire lost two wickets early in their response but steadily moved towards their success, although it was only when Andrew Flintoff decided to move out of his restraint into his more familiar belligerent role with 32 runs needed that the cricket lit up as brightly as the floodlights.

The burly batter, who had scored 141 when the teams met earlier in the season at Chelmsford tore into Ricky Anderson, striking him for 18 off four deliveries to conclude the match with more than nine overs to spare and send Essex toppling to defeat by seven wickets.

Despite their defeat, Ronnie Irani expressed the view that the players had been enjoyed the experience stating, "With the lights and all the music etcetera, it provided for a great atmosphere and all the lads enjoyed it apart from the result.

"I'd love to play in more of these matches."

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