John Stephenson was the star of the show for Essex Eagles as they beat Gloucestershire Gladiators under the floodlights at Colchester's Castle Park by five wickets.

Stephenson took three wickets for 14 and then put 44 on the board himself as Essex won their third match in a row.

Gloucestershire won the toss in the Norwich Union League Division Two match and elected to bat but soon regretted their decision as they were bowled out for 97.

John Stephenson

On a pitch favouring the bowlers, Essex took an early advantage as Ashley Cowan took two quick wickets to dismiss the Gloucestershire openers.

Then Matthew Windows managed to put just one run on the board before he was heading back to the pavilion off the bowling of Joe Grant.

Grant recorded the best bowling figures for Essex to take three wickets for 13.

Jeremy Snape managed a top score of 30 for the visitors as most of the Gloucestershire batting order disintegrated around him.

Essex started with problems too when Will Jefferson managed just two runs before he was out.

Richard Clinton managed just three before he was dismissed.

But with Stephenson in good form and a fine knock of 26 from stand in captain Paul Grayson Essex managed the victory well inside the 45 overs.

For more on this story and pictures see today's Evening Gazette.

More on Essex County Cricket Club

Published Wednesday August 28, 2002