The Essex 2nd XI have secured the Southern Division after victory against Kent 2nd XI by 55 runs meant the title was wrapped up with games to spare.
Rishi Patel starred with the bat, top scoring with 118 and 70 over the 2 innings. His performance meant that meant he equalled Darren Robinson’s record of 5 centuries in a season.
Aron Nijjar took 5 wickets innings whilst Matt Dixon, Jack Plom, Callum Taylor, and Rishi Patel also contributed with dismissals of their own.
Essex will now face either Durham or Lancashire in the National final between 4-7 August; Durham top the table but have finished their season, whilst Lancashire can overtake them if they take maximum points from their remaining 2 games.
The 2nd XI will also be in action at T20 Finals Day on 9 August.
The final place and order of the Southern league is set to be decided tomorrow. Kent must win both games with a considerable run-rate swing to go ahead of Gloucestershire, whilst Essex need just a point to confirm a game against Durham.
