ESSEX's pre-season preparations have been hindered after the snow caused their two-day friendly with Worcestershire to be called off.
Last week's clash with Middlesex could hardly be described as a "warm-up", with the sight of fielders and even bowlers wearing beanie hats.
That fixture amounted to two one-day games, one 45 overs and one 35, and Essex were victors in both, with their bowlers particularly impressing.
In the first, on Thursday, Middlesex were restricted to 123-9 in their 45 overs, with the wickets shared around Essex's five bowlers – Maurice Chambers, Tymal Mills, Graham Napier, Reece Topley and newcomer Saj Mahmood.
Essex chased down the target with three wickets and four overs to spare, thanks to a patient 75 not out from Greg Smith after Toby Roland-Jones had ripped through the top order on his way to figures of 4-15.
Sam Arthurton offered good support to Smith with 26, but even though he and Napier both fell late on, Smith saw the home side through. The following day, Essex batted first and scored 146-3 in their 35 overs, with Mark Pettini top scoring with an unbeaten 53. Tom Westley made 43 and skipper James Foster 46 as the home side set a challenging total in bitterly cold conditions.
In truth, Middlesex never looked like getting close and they eventually ended up with 94-5. They made just three in their first six overs before Mills took the first of his two wickets. Napier and Mahmood grabbed one each, with a run out also sending a Middlesex man back to the warmth of the pavilion.
With this week's game cancelled, Essex are next in action for the annual three-day fixture with Cambridge MCCU on April 5, before starting their LV> Championship campaign at home to Gloucestershire on April 10.
