Jon Dakin was the star turn as Essex won both their one-day warm-up matches against Kent at Chelmsford.

The hard-hitting left-hander, who recently joined the county from Leicestershire, announced his arrival with a couple of half-centuries at the weekend.

In the first, Dakin struck 87 from 106 balls - including 13 boundaries - as Essex coasted to a 40-run triumph after successfully defending a total of 309 for seven.

Then, again opening the innings yesterday, Dakin helped himself to 11 fours and a six in scoring 78 from 76 balls.

His blast helped Essex, responding to 256 for eight, romp home with five wickets and 21 deliveries to spare.

Whether Dakin will be given the opener's role in the Championship is debatable. But it is a safe bet he will get the job in limited overs games because of his no-nonsense approach.

In his only game on Saturday, John Stephenson showed he is still a force to be reckoned with on his return to the county by making 57 runs from 63 deliveries.

When Stephenson and Daken were removed from the scene, skipper Ronnie Irani inflicted more mayhem with a blistering 91 from 66 balls.

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Published Monday, April 8, 2002