Morning:
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Essex likely to be pipped at the post
25.09.09
Essex looked certain to fall short in their promotion bid despite Tom Wesley's 132 at Derby today.
Needing a 19-points victory to have any chance of joining Kent in the County Championship's top division next season, Essex were 271 for five at lunch, still 203 runs in arrears.
But closest rivals Northamptonshire were three wickets away from claiming an innings win against Leicestershire to secure second place.
