Half centuries from Paul Walter and Ravi Bopara helped an Essex CCC XI beat Upminster by 72 runs at Upminster Park on an overcast Sunday afternoon

After winning the toss and deciding to bat, Dan Lawrence and Aron Nijjar got Essex off to a fast start before John Curtis and Louis Pickering removed the two openers. Matt Tigg took a stunning catch to remove Ryan Ten Doeschate before England International Bopara started to entertain the crowd with shots all around the ground. Bopara eventually fell to Upminster veteran Paul Stratton but Walter then took over, launching five maximums into the crowd to finish on 58 not out, and with Essex skipper Nick Browne adding a quickfire 39 Essex finished on 261 for 7 from their 30 overs.

The Upminster reply got off to a bad start as Ronnie Jackson removed Will Chuter for 12 and they were soon 30-3 before skipper Harry Jenkins showed some defiance with an
entertaining 34. At 112-7 an early finish looked possible but Louis Pickering showed his potential with a wonderful 54, and Matt Tigg made 30 as Upmunster fought back. The last over was shared by Essex veteran Dave Masters' two sons, Harrison and Alfie, and Alfie bought the Upminster innings to a conclusion by removing Tigg and then having Curtis trapped plumb in front to dismiss Upminster for 189.

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