ESSEX head coach Paul Grayson cut a disappointed figure as his side were beaten by Gloucestershire in the Pro40 League on Sunday. Essex had made a demanding 191-5 in a game reduced to 18-overs, thanks to a marvellous 88 off 43 balls from the in-form Ryan

ESSEX head coach Paul Grayson cut a disappointed figure as his side were beaten by Gloucestershire in the Pro40 League on Sunday.

Essex had made a demanding 191-5 in a game reduced to 18-overs, thanks to a marvellous 88 off 43 balls from the in-form Ryan ten Doeschate.

But Gloucestershire reached their target with three balls remaining, thanks to an unbeaten 97 from Will Porterfield and 60 by James Franklin.

The loss was Essex's second successive reverse in the Pro40, something that the county haven't been used to in recent years.

"We are obviously disappointed as we have batted well on both occasions in our first two NatWest Pro40 games," said Grayson.

"We have not bowled well and it has been a disappointing week.

"These would have been two games we would have won last year.

"With only eight games in this competition, losing the first two games will make winning the title a struggle.

"The players are well aware of what they have to do now."

Essex are in Leicestershire for a County Championship match this week.