Maunders bags Essex deal

Opening batsman John Maunders has signed a one-year deal with Essex for the 2009 season.

Opener given chance to shine by Grayson

Opening batsman John Maunders has signed a one-year deal with Essex for the 2009 season. The former Middlesex and Leicestershire left-hander was unattached last season after being released by the latter county but spent the second half of the season on trial at Chelmsford. And it proved a success, with Maunders progressing from the second XI to take his chance in the first team, where he averaged over 43 in three county championship games. "John brings with him a sound, solid game," said coach Paul Grayson. "He performed well at the end of the season, when he was playing for a contract, which shows he can perform under pressure. "Everyone deserves another chance and we feel John is ready to grasp his after a year out of the county game [following his release from Leicester]. "John has guaranteed me he will work hard over the winter to come back as fit as he can possibly be for next season. "We are delighted to have been able to add two good players in John and Matt Walker [from Kent] who are both ready for a fresh challenge. "Their arrivals will increase the competition at the top of the order - which is what we want."