Duo set up crushing win

7:27am Monday 12th May 2008

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Essex beat Surrey by 156 runs at The Oval to retain their unbeaten record in the Friends Provident Trophy and their position as table-toppers of the South/East Division.

A magnificent first-wicket partnership of 269 by openers Mark Pettini (144) and Jason Gallian (117) underpinned a mammoth total of 391 for five before David Masters claimed five wickets - including that of main threat Mark Ramprakash - to complete a marvellous weekend for Pettini's men, following their championship win over Middlesex on Saturday.

A concentrated assault by Pettini and Gallian brought about the destruction of the Surrey attack as records went tumbling with the Essex score of 391 for five, setting a new county record in limited-overs matches.

Clean and uncomplicated hitting saw both openers pummel the hosts' attack mercilessly as they set a new highest partnership for Essex against Surrey in limited-overs cricket and spanning just 39 overs.

It was also the highest first-wicket partnership ever recorded against Surrey by any county.

See today's Gazette for more.