Essex Championship debuts were given to Tim Walton and Ricky Anderson in the match against Gloucestershire, and both impressed with their performances.

Of Anderson, Essex vice-captain Ronnie Irani said: "He did well, applied himself well and it was great that he was able to get his first Championship wicket. He is inexperienced but his performance was encouraging."

The paceman is 22 and hails from Hammersmith. He has played junior cricket with Middlesex and attended the London Cricket College at MCC.

Consistent performances in the Essex Second Eleven procured an opportunity for his first team debut.

Tim Walton, 26, previously played for Northamptonshire where his opportunities were limited, making only 19 appearances since his debut in 1994, and he joined Essex shortly prior to the current campaign.

His innings of 71 was appreciated by Essex cricket consultant Keith Fletcher, who said: "Tim did well for us. He is a good player and could be a very useful recruit.

''The number three position has been a problem for us recently but if he goes on playing like that, he could offer us a useful option in that role although I personally believe that he could do a job for us further down the order."

Tim Walton, who performed well on his Essex first team Championship debut.

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