Essex extend lead

Nottinghamshire will need to bat well on the third day if they are to avoid the follow-on but on a track condusive to batting they have advanced to 45-1 from 24 overs without too many problems, still 460 behind.

On a rain-shortened second day Essex advanced their first innings to 505-9 before skipper Ronnie Irani called a halt.

Friday's 3rd wicket stand of 248 between Paul Grayson and Stuart Law had laid the foundation for a big total but after a delayed start Notts fought their way back into the contest by taking three quick wickets, including that of Law, who was eventually dismissed for 165.

Only 5 overs were possible during the afternoon session and it was something of a surprise when Irani chose to bat on at the resumption after tea with his side on 432-7.

Some bright hitting from Danny Law and Ashley Cowan lifted Essex past 450 but then came a moment to savour for Stephen Randall. The 20 year old off-spinner, playing in his fourth first class match, picked up his first senior wicket as Cowan hit across the line and was palpably given out leg before wicket.

At the other end 'AJ' Harris continued to toil and deservedly picked up his 5th wicket when Mark Ilott clipped just behind square and Guy Welton took a comfortable catch. That brought last man peter Such to the wicket, playing against the county where he began his career. Before Such had faced a ball Danny Law had lifted Randall on to the top tier of the Radcliffe Road Stand, a huge hit. He then turned his next ball to leg to bring up his 50, having faced 95 deliveries. Randall's woe continued when Such skied his first ball and Welton, at full stretch, saw the ball pop free as he hit the turf.

Law hit Randall for two more sixes in an over which yielded 18 and took Essex past the 500 mark. Irani then called the innings to a halt with Danny Law unbeaten on 68 and Harris taking the bowling honours for Notts with 5-139.

In reply Darren Bicknell and Guy Welton negotiated the opening hour of their innings without too many alarms but when Irani replaced Ilott at the Radcliffe Road end to begin his second spell he had immediate success. Welton, who'd made 13, edged the ball low to first slip where the 6'4" Ashley Cowan took a good catch.

Jason Gallian joined Bicknell and they ensured that Notts reached the close without any further loss - Bicknell ending the day on 29 not out.