ESSEX return to the Rose Bowl tonight for the first time since last season’s Twenty20 finals day.

And in hosts, Hampshire, they will face the side who squeaked past them in the semis on that rain-swept day in August.

And while tonight’s game may lack the occasion of that encounter, it is probably as important to Paul Grayson’s inconsistent side.

Essex currently occupy the fourth and final knock-out qualification spot from the southern “group of death”.

And a win against the group leaders tonight is crucial if they want to stave off the challenge of Kent and Surrey.

They both have one game in hand on the Eagles.

Kent are at second-bottom Gloucestershire tonight, and Surrey go to basement boys Middlesex tomorrow.

But Essex are full of confidence following their stunning 65-run win over reigning champions Somerset on Monday.

And they will also take heart from the 26-run defeat they inflicted on Hampshire at the County Ground a fortnight ago, a result which remains the Royals’ only defeat in this year’s competition. Grayson said his side had been given a boost by the return to form against Somerset of top order batsmen Mark Pettini and Ravi Bopara.

He also singled out the competition’s top wicket-taker, Tim Phillips, for praise.

He said: “I think our display against Somerset shows just what a talented group of players we’ve got.

“It was probably our most clinical display this year.

“And it just goes to show what we can do against what was a very good side.

“Now the immediate challenge is to repeat the level of performance we showed against Somerset.”

Essex have named a 14-man squad which includes Scott Styris, whose calf injury will be assessed shortly before the match.

But the game has come too soon for all-rounder Graham Napier, although he could be fit to face Glamorgan at the County Ground on Friday.

Essex squad: Pettini, Wheater, Shah, Bopara, Walker, ten Doeschate, Styris, Foster, Phillips, Southee, Wright, Masters, Craddock.

* There are limited number of tickets still available Friday's home clash with Glamorgan.

They can be bought by calling 01245 254010, in person at the County Ground, or online www.essexcricket.org.uk.