Half-centuries from Richard Clinton and Barry Hyam laid the foundation for an easy Essex triumph over a County Board XI at Chelmsford yesterday. After scoring freely to reach 266-4 from their 40 overs, they tumbled out their opponents for 163 to win by 103 runs. The Board XI were strengthened by several youngsters contracted to Essex -- including Andrew McGarry and Andy Clarke, who spearheaded their attack. But it was never going to be more than a gentle "net" for the seniors. Openers Clinton and Darren Robinson never looked in trouble while putting together a century stand in 18 overs. But immediately that landmark was reached Clinton was bowled by Tony Palladino for 59 from 54 deliveries that included four sixes. Robinson was bowled by Westcliff's Chris Williams soon afterwards, one short of his half-century and, following a bright and breezy 30 from Graham Napier, Hyam arrived to maintain the tempo. He finished unbeaten with 55, from 43 balls and containing seven boundaries, before Essex's bowlers soon plunged their rivals into trouble. Joseph Grant and Ashley Cowan each grabbed a wicket in the first seven overs before they were withdrawn from the attack. But they were to lose three more wickets before the 100 was raised, including that of Wanstead's Nick Carlier, caught by James Middlebrook. Adnan Akram also made 32 before he too was dismissed by the off-spinner, but it was Alec Richards who emerged as his side's top scorer with 36 before he was caught at mid-wicket to provide Clinton with one of his three wickets. Essex 266-4 40 overs (Clinton 59, Hyam 55no, Robinson 49, Napier 30, Williams 2-28). Essex Board XI 163 all out 34.3 overs (Richards 36, Carlier 32, Akram 32, Clinton 3-28, Middlebrook 3-45). In a thrilling finish on Saturday, Gus Fraser struck the final ball of the match to the boundary off Ronnie Irani to earn Middlesex a tie in a run-feast. Aftab Habib was the leading light in the Essex innings, scoring 94 from 92 balls, while Clinton (42) and Irani (32) provided the main support. Middlesex slumped to 24-3 in reply but were revived by a stand of 142 in 20 overs by Andrew Strauss (90) and Ed Joyce (73) before Fraser arrived on the scene for his moment of glory