Cricket: Napier's half-century aids Essex

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An undefeated 54 from Graham Napier and contributions from Ravinder Bopara and Jonathan Dakin have helped Essex fight their way back into their match against Durham at Colchester's Castle Park.

By the close of play on day two of the County Championship Division Two match Durham had taken a lead of 53 runs and were 65 for one in their second innings.

Graham Napier

Earlier Essex had managed a first innings score of 271 in reply to Durham's first innings of 259.

The home side looked to be in trouble on 96-6 but Bopara made 48 and Dakin added 38 as the tail end batsmen staged a fight back.

Along with Napier who added five fours and three sixes in his 54, Essex managed to put themselves back into contention.

Colchester-born Napier was also able to remove Michael Gough's wicket for 34 before the close of play.

A major breakthrough for Essex who saw Gough make 103 in his first innings for Durham.

More on Essex County Cricket Club

Published Friday August 23, 2002

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