Alex Hales hit two sixes on his way to a score of 63 for the Nottinghamshire Second XI in a Duckworth-Lewis defeat to an experienced Essex side.

Essex reached 199-7 from 41.1 overs in response to Nottinghamshires 216-8 from 50.

Matt Harris (40), Rob Ferley (35) and Luke Fletcher (29) were the other contributors for Notts.

“Essex named an all-professional side and our staff players performed well but we needed a bigger contribution from the trialists,” said Notts Coach Wayne Noon.

“I always thought that we were 40 runs short of where we needed to be and it rained throughout which nullified our spinners.

“We dropped two catches which could have won the game for us but the bowlers performed well.”

Scott Elstone took 3-41 and Andy Carter continued his good form with 3-37.