The busy schedule continued in July as Chris Silverwood’s team continued to challenge on all three fronts.
Essex Eagles v Kent Spitfires | NatWest T20 Blast
Essex welcomed Kent to The E.C.G for a Battle of the Bridge clash against their arch-rivals.
It was arguably one of the most comprehensive T20 performances of the season by Essex as they posted 204-3 thanks to an unbeaten 81 from Ravi Bopara and spectacular 54 not out from Ashar Zaidi.
In response Kent couldn’t get going with only Alex Blake and Tom Latham making valuable contributions as Kent stuttered to 154 for 9.
Essex v Kent | Specsavers County Championship
Essex welcomed Kent to Chelmsford again two days later for a Specsavers County Championship clash.
Chris Silverwood’s men were rampant from the get go and skittled the visitors for 207 before scoring 569 themselves.
That was even without anyone scoring a hundred as Ravi Bopara top-scored with 94.
Kent then scored 370 in response thanks to an incredible partnership from Sam Northeast and James Tredwell. Northeast scored 166 and Tredwell 124 but it only gave them a lead of eight and Essex knocked the runs off without trouble.
Hampshire v Essex Eagles | NatWest T20 Blast
The Eagles returned to NatWest T20 Blast action in what was an epic encounter at the Ageas Bowl.
Essex batted first and scored 153 for 6 with Ashar Zaidi continuing his excellent form with 47 and Hampshire ended their response three runs shy.
James Vince could not see his side over the line scoring 62 but getting out at a critical stage as Hampshire buckled under pressure.
Gloucestershire v Essex | Specsavers County Championship
Essex slumped to a disappointing loss at Cheltenham which halted Chris Silverwood’s side title surge.
Gloucestershire scored 255 in their first innings before Essex gained a lead and scored 333 with Dan Lawrence scoring 127.
It was in the second innings where Essex faltered as Gareth Roderick scored 102 to help Gloucestershire to 290 before Essex slumped to 151 all out.
Gloucestershire v Essex Eagles | NatWest T20 Blast
The Cheltenham curse continued as Essex suffered a comprehensive defeat to Gloucestershire in the NatWest T20 Blast.
Michael Klinger continued his rich vein of form against the Essex seamers scoring 95 not out while Ian Cockbain contributed with 69 as the hosts posted 212 off their 20 overs.
Essex gave it a good go in response but nobody contributed with a score of significance like Klinger and Essex fell short on 182 for 9.
Essex Eagles v Sussex Sharks | NatWest T20 Blast
Essex were back in action a week later hosing Sussex Sharks at The E.C.G. The sell-out crowd went home disappointed though as Sussex won by 24 runs.
A late onslaught from Chris Jordan and Craig Cachopa led Sussex to a target of 200 which would prove too stiff a task for Essex.
No one could get going for The Eagles as Ravi Bopara top-scored with 32.
Kent Spitfires v Essex Eagles | NatWest T20 Blast
The Eagles travelled to Canterbury for another Battle of the Bridge clash and ran out comprehensive winners once again.
After setting Kent a target of 190 largely thanks to 74 from Tom Westley and 51 from Ravi Bopara they could only stutter to 157 all out.
Darren Stevens top scored for Kent with 33 as Graham Napier took three wickets to clinch victory.
Essex Eagles v Surrey | Royal London One-Day Cup
Essex slipped to their first Royal London One-Day Cup defeat of the season against Surrey as the visitors set a mammoth task of 313.
Jason Roy and Aaron Finch put on 94 for the first wicket before Steve Davies scored 82 and Rory Burns 52 as Surrey set a formidable total.
Jesse Ryder scored a majestic 131 for Essex in response but nobody else could reach 50 as Essex slipped to a 66 run loss.
Essex Eagles v Glamorgan | Royal London One-Day Cup
Chris Silverwood’s team continued their fine form in the Royal London One-Day Cup by chasing down a stiff target of 324.
Glamorgan’s total was largely thanks to 107 from Colin Ingram and 62 from David Lloyd.
Essex responded in superb fashion as 99 from Nick Browne formed the bed rock of The Eagles successful chase. Ravi Bopara contributed 59 while Jesse Ryder scored 50 as Essex reached their target with five balls to spare.
Middlesex v Essex Eagles | NatWest T20 Blast
Lord’s played host to one of the cricketing summers finest evenings as Ashar Zaidi continued his excellent form with a stunning 59 off 24 balls to win Essex the game.
Middlesex had set a target of 126 from their reduced 16 overs largely thanks to 68 not out from captain Dawid Malan.
Essex faltered in response and the game looked beyond their reach before Zaidi came to the crease and turned the spectacle on its head. Dan Lawrence also contributed 36 as The Eagles won by five wickets.
Middlesex v Essex Eagles | Royal London One-Day Cup
Essex fell agonisingly short of another Royal London One-Day Cup victory as Middlesex ran out four run winners.
James Franklin scored 55 and Sam Robson 41 as Middlesex set a target of 219 on a slow, low wicket at Lord’s.
Nick Browne led The Eagles response with 79 but no one else could support him as Essex finished four runs shy for the loss of nine wickets.
