Essex are putting plenty of runs on the board in their County Championship Division Two match against Derbyshire despite rain delays.

With earlier downpours preventing any play in the morning session it was left to batsmen Darren Robinson and Andy Flower to build a commanding lead for the visitors in the afternoon.

By just after tea on the third day of the four day match Essex were 194-2 in their second innings with Robinson on 77 and Flower on 67.

By the close of play yesterday Essex were on 75-2 giving them a narrow lead over the home side.

Despite losing William Jefferson (12) and John Stephenson (8) cheaply, Essex steadied the innings with Robinson and Flower.

Earlier in the day Essex had bowled out Derbyshire for 301 with a top score of Christopher Bassano who made 152.

Essex had previously made 268 in their first innings.

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Published Friday August 9, 2002