GLAMORGAN warmed up for tomorrow's County Championship match at the Rose Bowl by moving into joint-top spot in the National League Division One.

Australian Jimmy Maher was the star of their eight-wicket caning of Essex at Sophia Gardens with an incredible century that eclipsed England Test captain Nasser Hussain's best-ever limited-overs score.

Hussain, not considered good enough for England's one-day team anymore, blasted an unbeaten 144.

Hussain warmed up for the forthcoming Test series against South Africa by carrying his bat through Essex's innings, eclipsing his previous best of 136 not out, with Ronnie Irani (63) and Aftab Habib (35) helping push the total to 267 for six.

However, this did not pose a problem for Glamorgan as pinchhitting captain Robert Croft (64 off 71 balls) and Maher - signed to cover the injured Steve James - shared an opening stand of 181 in just 102 minutes.

But there was no stopping Maher as he raced to his century in 93 balls, smashing three sixes and 12 fours, before the onslaught was finally ended on 142 - made off only 113 deliveries.

That left Michael Powell (31no) and Matthew Maynard (seven) to see their side home with 6.5 overs to spare.

That increased the pressure on leaders Surrey, who lost to Warwickshire Bears by six wickets at Edgbaston.