TOM Moody has described Worcestershire's two friendly matches at Essex as "invaluable".

The County's director of cricket watched his side lose their second game at Chelmsford yesterday in a rain-affected match -- but was unconcerned about the result.

Stephen Peters hit an unbeaten 92 and skipper Vikram Solanki added 66 as the County made 206-1 off 40 overs.

In reply, Essex rattled off the required runs with an over to spare, but Moody was just pleased that his players got some game-time.

"The results of the two games was not a big issue," said the Australian.

"For us, it was all about preparation for the four-day format.

"People shouldn't read too much into the bowling figures because there was a very short boundary. All in all, it's been an invaluable couple of days."