Billy Godleman is in encouraging pre-season form for Essex

Essex warmed up for the 2010 season in Barbados with an impressive 85-run win over Lancashire in the final of the English Counties Pro-40 Championship.

Former Middlesex opener Billy Godleman hit a quickfire century as Essex ran out comfortable winners.

Essex coach Paul Grayson said: "It was a really good solid performance, and we look in good condition for the coming season.

"We have high hopes in both four-day and one-day cricket."

Essex made 287-5 after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

Godleman's 118 came off 99 deliveries, including seven fours and five sixes.

Tom Westley hit 62 from 38 deliveries, well supported by John Maunders, who also hit 62.

Lancashire never looked likely to get close to victory after losing four wickets for 45 runs in the first 10 overs.

Luke Procter and Adrian Shankar shared a fifth wicket partnership of 85 in 16 overs, but Lightning finished on 203-9 from 35.2 overs, Mark Chilton having been unable to bat due to a back problem.

We have high hopes in both four-day and one-day cricket Essex Head Coach Paul Grayson

Grayson described Godleman's innings as outstanding, admitting: "Billy has been in impressive form on this tour, and Maunders and Westley have also shown their credentials.

"It was also good to see the younger players doing well with the bat.

"From the bowling viewpoint, David Masters took 3-23 and was, as ever, reliable, and Mervyn Westfield took 2-21.

"It was a good all-round performance and we have been able to mix the side up between games".

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