Even a battling 83 from Andy Flower was not enough to save Essex from a defeat at Canterbury that leaves them very much in relegation trouble.
The Zimbabwean star resisted for four hours as Essex went in search of a 291 victory target against Championship rivals Kent. But in the end it proved in vain.
The county finished 56 runs short and with only four games left, the outlook for survival is looking bleak - especially as the sides below them all have games in hand.
Arriving at the crease following the departure of night watchman Tony Palladino, Flower watched six partners depart as Kent, largely through the efforts of wily off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan make steady inroads into the innings.
Only twice did Essex threaten to gain the upper hand. Firstly when Aftab Habib was keeping Flower company and again with James Foster turning in another useful performance.
The fourth wicket partnership with Habib was worth 57 and had carried the total to 118 when the former England Test player was bowled by Muralitharan's last ball before lunch, while trying to guide it in the direction of third man.
After Ronnie Irani dragged an Amjad Khan delivery into his stumps, Foster arrived to take the lion's share of a 47 stand for the sixth wicket.
Again the Sri Lankan off spinner came to Kent's rescue by trapping Foster lbw and he went on to get rid of James Middlebrook and Graham Napier before Flower's valiant innings was ended by Alamgar Sheriyar.
More on Essex County Cricket Club
Published Monday, August 4, 2003
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