Nas Growls Out Bears

Essex Eagles secured their first win of the 2004 season in front of the Sky live cameras, with a thrilling six run over the Warwickshire Bears at Chelmsford. In a match reduced to just a 10 over-a-side slog because of the elements, the Bears fell short of the target of 90 set by the Eagles.

Ronnie Out Of Yorkshire Opener

Essex captain Ronnie Irani is out of the season's Championship opener against Yorkshire after his knee flared up again in the match at Cambridge a week ago. Irani had the operation on his knee in September 2003, but has not fully recovered in time to lead his county in the match at Headingley.

Not A Good Friday For Essex

Essex lost an entertaining encounter on Good Friday to Middlesex, as the seaxes beat the scimitars by 29 runs at Chelmsford in the 45 overs-a-side friendly. Despite explosive innings of 72 from Ronnie Irani & 60 from Ashley Cowan, the home side weren't able to recover from the early losses.

Essex V Middx Friendly Scorecard

Napier Starts Well In Malaysia

Essex's Graham Napier had an excellent start to the England A tour of Malaysia, with runs and wickets in the opening match against a Malaysia CA Invitational XI in Kuala Lumpur.

Cook To Lead England In Under 19 World Cup

Essex's Alastair Cook has been choosen to lead the England under 19 World Cup campaign in Bangladesh next month and is another feather in the cap of his quick rise to fame and Essex youth cricket.

Robinson Runs To Foxes

Released Essex stalwart Darren Robinson has joined Leicestershire on a two-year deal. Robbo joins Jon Dakin in moving to the ailing midlands club over the winter.

Essex Begin Campaign At Yorkshire

At last, the 2004 fixture list is now out & is always great reading. Essex start their Championship campaign, with promotion back to div 1 the aim, at promotion rivals Yorkshire. We also host one-day friendlies with tourists New Zealand & India, as well as no fewer than nine home floodlight games!

Essex Travel To Saltires In C&G 2nd Round

Essex have been handed an away trip to Scotland for the day, having drawn the Saltires in the 2nd round of next season's Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy.

Essex Release Quintet

Essex have released Darren Robinson, Barry Hyam, Andrew McGarry, Joe Grant and Nick Denning, as they aim to cut the wage bill after relegation from the first division of the County Championship.