Essex are hoping Stuart Law is fit enough to take his place in the side facing Second Division leaders Worcestershire at Chelmsford tomorrow.

The Aussie star is still suffering from back trouble which forced him out of action earlier in the season. Law's discomfort was such that he appeared down the order at number six on the final day of the County's Championship match against Sussex at Arundel.

And, after being magnificently caught at deep mid-off for only 12, Essex hopes of scoring 310 for victory in 73 overs disappeared.

They finished on 254-7 and were left settling for nine points from their labours over four days.

Essex made a valiant attempt at their target before opting for a share of the honours.

Despite the early loss of Paul Grayson, a century partnership involving Paul Prichard and Darren Robinson put the innings on a firm foundation.

They carried the total beyond 100 in the 30th over and the pair went on to take the score to 134 before being separated.

Both were finally undone by medium-paceman Robin Martin-Jenkins, Prichard for 66 after hitting the same bowler for four successive boundaries, and Robinson for 65 - his second half-century of the game.

Danny Law, promoted to fill his namesake's customary number four position, also struck out boldly for 49 but once he was snared by the leg-spin of Michael Bevan, Essex decided to shut up shop.

Bevan had earlier been the architect of Sussex's 321-8 declared in their second innings. He made an unbeaten 151 with style and confidence to gain more than adequate compensation for his first ball dismissal on the opening day.

Off-spinner Peter Such bore the brunt of the Essex bowling. He sent down 41 overs, but his figures of 2-113 did not really do him justice.

He found the edge often enough to deserve better.

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