A record 269 run partnership for Essex against Surrey in one-day matches was the main reason for their convincing 156 run victory today at the Brit Insurance Oval.

After the visitors won the toss and batted, openers Mark Pettini and Jason Gallian took particular liking to Jade Dernbach who went for 63 in his first spell of seven overs.

Conditions were perfect for batting and with the outfield like lightening, Surrey were always going to struggle in trying to restrict the Eagles for anything less than 280.

Jonathan Batty was made to rue his drop off Pettini when he was on one off the bowling of Dernbach, as the 24 year old made a superb hundred from just 90 deliveries, hitting the ball to all parts of the ground with ease.

There was no better foil for Pettini than Gallian who was equally as aggressive. The former Nottinghamshire man did not miss out on anything loose and he too brought up three figures but even though the Brown Caps managed to remove the pair in consecutive overs (269-1 and 273-2), the damage had already been done.

A flurry of runs from Ryan ten Doeschate (60 from 50 balls) and James Foster (46 from 23) also ensured that the total would be a near impossible one for Surrey to haul in with an explosive partnership of 74 from just 35 balls as the Eagles finished off on an imposing 391-5.

The Brown Caps reply was a spirited one when Mark Ramprakash was at the crease. He and Scott Newman ensured that the Surrey supporters kept believing that they could threaten the Eagles total and even when Newman departed for an exciting 49, Ramprakash refused to lie down as he kept finding the boundary with ease. He brought up his half century from 37 balls which included a six and seven boundaries as he kept the home side in the hunt, scoring at better than a run a ball.

However wickets in hand were always going to be the key chasing such a big total and with the score at 189 for three, the match turned on its head. David Masters was introduced into the attack in the 31st over and removed the key man, Ramprakash, leg before for 98 and then from the very next ball, danger man, Ali Brown was out caught behind.

Masters continued to rip through the Surrey batting line up when he also dismissed Jonathan Batty with a tidy delivery, bowled for five, Nicholson for six and the final wicket of Jade Dernbach for one as he finished off with the incredible figures of 5-17 from 4.2 overs. Surrey’s last seven wickets fell for just 46 runs as their inconsistent run in this form of the game continues.

Thoughts turn to the LV County Championship next as the Brown Caps look to bounce back against Hampshire at the Rosebowl when the match kicks off on Wednesday. Surrey have looked strong in this competition to date and with Ramprakash searching for his 100th first-class hundred, it’s a match that you shouldn’t miss. For regular updates on this match, keep a close eye on www.surreycricket.com.

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