DARREN ROBINSON often wondered, in his formative years, if he would ever succeed with his native Essex. Other batsmen always seemed to be in his way, not least the formidable Graham Gooch. There should be no doubt now, however, that he can look forward to lengthy residence at the top of their order.
Robinson was imperious in stroking his way to his first one-day century yesterday, the quality of his straight driving in particular in an unbeaten 129 proving far too hot for Sussex to handle. Following on from his 85 in the Championship on Saturday it has given Robinson the perfect start to a season in which he knows he must prove his worth.
Only Gooch's retirement in mid season last year finally gave Robinson an extended run. He 'celebrated' that news by taking 148 off Worcestershire in Gooch's farewell match but began this season, at 25, having had one enormous obstacle cleared from his path only to be made acutely aware of another possible threat in the emergence of England Under-19 opener Stephen Peters. Robinson's response has been impressive.
One might think that power would be the greatest weapon of a stocky man who rejoices in the nickname of 'Pie Shop'. Yet timing was Robinson's chief ally yesterday as he attacked Sussex from the off in a match reduced to 32 overs and the most pleasing aspect, from an Essex point of view, was the size of their total considering they lost their two most potent batsmen, Stuart Law and Nasser Hussain, cheaply.
That Robinson was able to lift them to 231 was, in no small part, thanks to the contribution of Ronnie Irani, who has made a good start to a season that is crucial for him too, not to cement a county place but to lift himself back into international consideration.
The pair came together at 57 for two but were never in danger of being separated, Robinson equalling his previous Sunday best of 80 with a straight six off the unfortunate Richard Davis and reaching his hundred off 88 balls, the second fifty coming off just 32. Irani, meanwhile, was not content with playing second fiddle, reaching a half-century that clearly meant a lot to him off 47 balls and clumping a six of his own over extra cover. In all the third-wicket stand was worth 174 in 21 overs, 129 of them coming in the last 12, and it was to prove 127 too many for Sussex.
The stuffing well and truly knocked out of them, they subsided to 104 in the face of some sharp catching and tidy bowling, particularly from 18-year-old all-rounder Graham Napier, whose decision to turn down the chance to join Ipswich Town as a goalkeeper for a career in cricket is looking increasingly sound.