Jamal Richards hit his second consecutive century but the Second XI’s Championship clash with Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl petered out into a rain-affected draw.
Richards added to his unbeaten 109 last week against the South Asian Cricket Academy by striking 114, with wicketkeeper Simon Fernandes making 92.
Aum Patel also took career-best bowling figures of 4/34 in the hosts’ first innings, who were bowled out for 292 after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
Mackenzie Jones took three wickets, while Richards chipped in with 2/62 as Wilf La Fontaine-Jackson top-scored with 62.
In response, the visitors were underpinned by Richards’ and Fernandes’ knocks, as they racked up 301 all out to eke out a slender first-innings lead despite Eddie Jack’s 5/67.
Hampshire then posted 178-3 in their second innings, with Richards again starring as he took all three wickets to fall, including that of established first-teamer Joe Weatherley for 90.
With the final day unable to begin due to a rain-saturated outfield, the draw was finalized as captain Felix Organ ended unbeaten on 82.
The Eagles took 13 points from the fixture, and are back in Second XI Championship action from Bank Holiday Monday, 06 May, when Somerset come to Billericay.
The Eagles Have Landed: The 2024 Vitality Blast at The Cloud County Ground
Demand remains exceptionally high, and there is now just one Friday night fixture with availability remaining, the visit of Glamorgan to The Cloud County Ground on 07 June.
With the Eagles aiming to go one better in 2024, there is no time to waste to snap up your seats.
Sunday 02 June, 4:00pm: Essex v Middlesex – buy here
Friday 07 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Glamorgan – buy here (LAST FEW TICKETS)
Friday 14 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Sussex Sharks – SOLD OUT
Thursday 20 June, 7:00pm: Essex v Hampshire Hawks – buy here
Friday 05 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Somerset – SOLD OUT
Thursday 11 July, 7:00pm: Essex v Kent Spitfires – buy here
Sunday 14 July, 2:30pm: Essex v Surrey – buy here
