Date-stamped : 12 May95 - 14:25 UNIV: Cambridge University v Essex, Fenner's, 11-13 May 1995 ====> Day 1, 11 May 95 Whittall`s 5-67 lifts students - Brian Murgatroyd First day of three: Cambridge Univ (15-1) trail Essex (260) by 245 runs CAMBRIDGE, inspired by a career-best return from their captain, Andy Whittall, bowled out a county side for the first time in two years here yesterday. However, any optimism among the students could be tempered by a large dose of realism supplied by veteran left-arm spinner John Childs. Off-spinner Whittall, the brother of Zimbabwe Test all-rounder Guy, exploited a dry and already dusting surface and fully deserved his figures of five for 67 in 27 overs. But with the wily Childs and former Cambridge Blue Richard Pearson in Essex`s ranks, Cambridge will find the going harder than Essex did yes- terday. As if to prove the point, Childs, allowed just one over before the close, struck with his second ball when he had John Ratledge caught at silly point. Earlier, Essex, led by Nasser Hussain for the first time and, in the absence of Paul Prichard, Graham Gooch, Mark Ilott and Peter Such, struggled to assert themselves against disciplined Cam- bridge bowling. Hussain and Jon Lewis came together after the early loss of Dar- ren Robinson - who was caught at first slip driving - and added 98 for the second wicket. But their stand spanned 30 overs and neither was able to take control. Lewis was eventually bowled by seamer Nick Haste, while Hussain finally lost patience, driving to midwicket after occupying the crease for 165 minutes, hitting 10 fours. Whittall, in tandem with fellow off-spinner Jim Freeth, then mopped up the remaining resistance as Essex lost their last five wickets for 35 runs. Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)