ESSEX V SURREY at Chelmsford (NUL2), 8 SEPTEMBER 2002

Since being roundly beaten by the Surrey Lions at Guildford the Essex Eagles have had gone on a good run in the league competitions and will now be disappointed if they fail to gain a promotion in both.  However, Adam Hollioake's men are just as desperate to get out of the NUL's basement division, which gives tomorrow's match-up added spice.

One of the reasons behind Ronnie Irani's decision to bowl first at Guildford was that he felt his side stood a better chance chasing a target than defending one.  Roughly translated, he did not have great faith in his bowlers that day.  Dakin and Napier are both hit-able, Stephenson has not managed to maintain his early season form with the ball and even Irani has been off colour on occasions.

Just recently, however, Paul Grayson has twirled his left-arm spin to good effect since returning from injury and Joe Grant, a 34-year-old seamer from Jamaica, has been a revelation with 5 wickets at 15.60 and an economy rate of 2.78 runs per over in the Norwich Union League.

In short, the Eagles will be no pushover tomorrow, especially if their long batting line-up can make a decent total.  If they establish themselves Jon Dakin, Ronnie Irani, Will Jefferson and Mark Pettini are all capable of taking the initiative.  But the real threat is Andy Flower, who is averaging 54.77 and needs just seven more runs for 500 in this year's competition.

There's always something about travelling to Chelmsford which fills me with trepidation.  Not only does a dark cloud always seem to follow me there, but, shall we say, Surrey's recent record at New Writtle Street is not the best.  Furthermore the Eagles have won five matches on the trot in the past few weeks, including three in the NUL.

Surrey face a couple of selection problems.  Rikki Clarke is unlikely to play after injuring his knee at Derby, so Scott Newman is on stand-by.  Intriguingly, with Saqlain Mushtaq expected to return, it will be a brave decision to leave out Ian Salisbury after his all-round contribution on Monday night.

D Robinson, W Jefferson, J Stephenson, A Flower (wk), R Irani (capt), M Pettini, P Grayson, J Dakin, J Middlebrook, G Napier and J Grant.

28 Jul 2002	NL	Won By 73 Runs	Guildford
2 May 2002	B&H	Lost By 4 Wickets	Chelmsford
5 May 2001	B&H	Won By 6 Wickets	The Oval
23 Aug 2000	NL	Lost By 23 Runs	Colchester
29 May 2000	NL	No Result	The Oval
15 Apr 2000	B&H	No Result	Chelmsford
14 Jun 1998	NL	Lost By 26 Runs	Chelmsford
8 Jun 1997	NL	Lost By 6 Wickets	The Oval
27 May 1997	B&H	Won By 6 Wickets	Chelmsford
13 Aug 1996	NWT	Lost By 4 Wickets	The Oval
30 Jun 1996	NL	Lost By 27 Runs	Southend
9 Jul 1995	NL	Lost By 61 Runs	The Oval
14 Aug 1994	NL	Won By 6 Wickets	Colchester
16 May 1993	NL	Won By 2 Wickets	The Oval
26 Apr 1992	NL	Lost By 10 Wickets	Chelmsford

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