Derbyshire v Essex heading towards a draw

County Championship Division Two, Derby

Close, day three: Essex 245 & 85-1, Derbyshire 266

Derbys 5pts, Essex 4pts

Match scorecard

Half-centuries from Ross Whiteley and Tom Poynton left Derbyshire's Division Two match with Essex heading towards a draw on the final day.

With all of Wednesday's play wiped out by rain, the hosts added 238 to their total on day three before being bowled out for 266.

Derbyshire were helped on their way by opener Paul Borrington (42), as well as Whiteley (56) and Poynton (55).

Tom Westley ended the day on 51 not out as Essex closed on 85-1, 64 runs ahead.