By John Virr – 2nd X1 Scorer
Day 2 started with Essex trailing by 54 runs with 6 wickets remaining. In the 3rd full over of the day Matt Milnes struck twice bowling Fernandes for 41 and having Jones taken at 1st slip by Will Luxton without scoring – 142-6. He then reduced them to 154-7 when Gladwell was caught behind by Harry Duke also for no score.
Lockrose was the next to depart being very well caught by Ben Cliff at mid on to give Hishaam Khan his 1st wicket. Bennett was lbw for 9 and despite Thain remaining unbeaten on 43 from 67 balls with 6 fours Jawad Akhtar wrapped up the innings by having Speer caught at cover and 141-4 had become 201 all out giving our hosts a 6 run lead.
Two overs were possible before lunch but it included the loss of Noah Kelly caught at 2nd slip for 1; lunch 8-1. The 1st over of the afternoon session saw Duke dropped at long leg and he and Will Luxton went on to produce a partnership of 103 in 164 balls before Duke was stumped for 41 from 80 balls with 4 fours. Prior to this Luxton had reached his half century from 77 balls with 8 fours.
Jawad Akhtar made 15 from 32 balls before, he too, was stumped 131-2, leading by 125. Owen Smith joined Luxton and at tea we were 134-3, Luxton 68 no and Smith yet to score.
In the hour post tea Essex bowled 21 overs during which we scored 84 runs – Smith reached his 2nd half century of the game and Luxton his century: Smiths 50 from 61 balls with 6 fours and a six and Luxtons ton from 174 balls with 13 fours.
The lead was extended at a good rate and at the close we were 281-3, leading by 275 heading into the final day. Smith is 83 no from 95 balls and Luxton 131 no from 222 balls – their partnership exactly 150 from 216 balls.
