FORMER Middlesex and Leicestershire batsman John Maunders figured in an opening partnership worth 143 with Jason Gallian at Northamptonshire last week and appears to have landed himself with a contract for Essex for 2009.

He scored 62 before following-up with 26 in the second innings and impressed coaches Paul Grayson and Graham Gooch with his style on his return t the first-class game having been released by Leicestershire at the end of last season.

It was only the second time this season that the county had posted three figures for the first wicket in the Championship and Grayson was quick to praise the left-hander.

“We’ll be looking to sit down with him and I’m hoping that we will be able to offer his some kind of a deal for next year,” he said.

“We were delighted with his performance and he has also impressed whilst playing for the Second XI."