Mark Ilott's six-wicket haul against Warwickshire at Chelmsford has boosted his chances of reaching the target set for him by Geoff Arnold, the county's bowling coach.

"Before the start of the season, Geoff said he wanted 75 first-class wickets from me," revealed the 28-year-old left-arm seam bowler.

"It's a tall order, but at least I've got off to a fine start and with a little bit of luck I'll keep him happy."

Ilott's match-winning 6-38 against the Midlands county took his tally to a dozen from the opening two games, and enabled the county to crush their rivals by seven wickets and end a sequence of seven successive championship defeats.

His performance led to the visitors being routed for 86 in their second innings, leaving Essex a victory target of 167 which, with the help of half-centuries from Paul Prichard and Nasser Hussain, they reached with considerable ease.

Ilott, who collected the last of his five Test caps four years ago, also nurses hopes of forcing his way back into the England set-up.

"I am still very ambitious and would like to think I have a chance of at least getting on this winter's tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe," he said.

"A good season's work is bound to help my prospects. But I know it is up to me to keep performing because there are plenty of other bowlers who will be anxious to press their claims."

England selector and former Essex captain Graham Gooch was one of those who witnessed Ilott's destruction of Warwickshire and will have been impressed with what he saw.

Ilott's ability to swing the ball proved too much for opposing batsmen and earned warm praise from skipper Hussain.

"He's a model professional with a great attitude and the sort of player all the other lads respect and look up to. He bowled magnificently and thoroughly deserved his success," he said.

Ashley Cowan and Ronnie Irani provided the back-up support with two wickets each as Warwickshire were bowled out in 27.3 overs, the last eight wickets falling while just 42 runs were added.

Essex quickly lost Darren Robinson when they began their victory bid, but Prichard and Hussain, with 59 each before they were dismissed, and Stuart Law's unbeaten 33 ensured Ilott's work was not wasted.

As a result of their efforts the county were able to celebrate their first championship victory at Chelmsford in 11 matches, the last being way back in May 1997 when they beat Durham.

Sir Richard Hadlee, regarded as one of the world's greatest strike bowlers in the seventies and eighties, will be Hutton Cricket Club's guest of honour later this month.

Hadlee, who took 431 wickets in 86 Tests for New Zealand, will be attending the club's annual dinner on May 28.

Tickets and further information can be obtained from Nick Watson on 01277 225626.

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