Essex consolidated their place at the top of the NatWest Pro40 Second Division last night as they beat Surrey at Chelmsford by 30 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis method.

Essex were bowled out for 167 and then reduced their rivals to 47 for four before rain forced an abandonment with them well short of the par score of 77 needed to win.

David Masters was chiefly responsible for Surrey's woes. After being awarded his county cap with Jason Gallian at the interval, the fast bowler roared in to capture three wickets in seven overs which cost just 10 runs.

Grant Flower had earlier paved the way for Essex's fourth victory of the campaign with an innings of 51 from 71 deliveries.

It soon became apparent Surrey were fighting a losing battle once Masters made his telling impact.

Essex have now won four of their five games - the other one ending in a tie - while Surrey were left reflecting on their third setback in four attempts.