Essex got their season off to a perfect start by beating Middlesex in the Pro Arch tournament final in Abu Dhabi.

They won by five wickets, with 13 balls to spare, to take the title in the eight team 50-over competition.

Middlesex posted 235-9, with Dawid Malan top scoring with 40, and Ryan ten Doeschate taking 2 for 28.

Essex comfortably reached their total of 238-5, thanks to an unbeaten 77 from Matthew Walker, his third successive half-century in the competition.

Jaik Mickleburgh supported him at the crease scoring 41, Jason Gallion hit 35 and ten Doeschate added 33 runs to his wicket haul in the match.

Essex ended the competition unbeaten, having defeated the Fly Emirates XI, Lancashire and Sussex on their way to the final.

First-team coach Paul Grayson told the club website: "The tournament has been a huge success, each game has seen some fantastic team performances. It has been a great warm up ahead of the 2009 season."

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