gloucestershire (h)

5-7th april, essex vs gloucestershire, chelmsford.

essex win by an innings & 38 runs

what a way to start the season! promotion hopefuls essex were inevitably favourites for their opening competitive match of 2012 and pulled off an emphatic victory in just two and a half days. last season was particularly disappointing for essex fans but the opposition enjoyed a much better 2011, in the county champhionship at least, finishing above the eagles - many believed they had massively overachieved.

so much for the start of summer, the coats and blankets were out at a very cold and cloudy chelmsford on day one. gloucs won the toss and as expected elected to field in seemingly great bowling conditions. despite the early loss of petersen, a new addition to the essex squad, his opening partner billy godleman made a solid century - putting the eagles in a fantastic position. with valuable contributions from smith, wheater and foster; essex posted a great score of 364 all out.

essex, with arguably one of, if not the best bowling attack in division two, knew the task ahead. they needed to bowl gloucs out twice, with not much time to play with. the weather forecast did not look good - traditional english april weather!'

the bowlers did the business again for essex. in fact, they did it twice! gloucs were bowled out for 180 and 146 as the game drew to a rapid conclusion after just two and a half days. the visitors were bowled twice in four sessions as fast bowlers napier and masters shone - each taking a 5fer in each innings.