Cricket: Napier puts promising entry in the log

Essex 440-7 v Nottinghamshire

The view from this ground is much changed from when Essex were last entertained here in the 1930s. A few yards of terrace in one corner is the only evidence of the old joint-tenancy with Worksop Town FC, and where a clanking pithead once overlooked the scene the plain warehouse walls of a supermarket provide the backdrop now.

It is a curious place, with the stewards obliged to let caravans and mobile homes drive along the Central Avenue boundary on their way to the trailer park behind the pavilion, even during play. As outgrounds go, however, few are more hospitable, and it is always a shame when clubs who make an effort see their annual jamboree hit by the weather, as this match was yesterday.

But if Worksop CC were disappointed, so too was Graham Napier, a 17-year- old making his Championship debut for Essex batting at No 8, who may well have been denied a half- century on his big day when the weather closed in two overs after lunch. It is possible Paul Prichard will declare overnight given the loss of so much time, leaving Napier, playing in place of the injured Ronnie Irani, stranded on 35 not out.

Napier, who began the season on a YTS contract, could have pursued a career in football, with Ipswich Town taking a keen interest in his goalkeeping skills. However, he told Essex he preferred cricket and provided immediate evidence of his enthusiasm here by gathering five boundaries and confidently smiting Chris Tolley for six over backward point.

Earlier, Paul Grayson reached 44 before falling to a catch at backward point off Kevin Evans and Danny Law enjoyed some good fortune in completing his first half-century since his move from Sussex with eight fours, before his progress was halted when he was caught at mid-off against Tolley.