Essex defeated Derbyshire by seven wickets in their Norwich Union League Division Two match on Sunday. Victory was thanks to fine bowling from Ashley Cowan and Andy Clarke. Essex skipper Ronnie Irani took two wickets and there was one a piece for John Stephenson and Johnathan Dakin. It was left to Cowan and Clarke to share the other six between them as Derbyshire were all out for 155. Having disposed of the Derbyshire batsmen Essex knocked of the requisite runs without any real problems. Darren Robinson made 36 from his innings, John Stephenson ,22, and Graham Napier, 19, were the only wickets to fall. Ronnie Irani and Andy Flower were then at the crease to steer Essex to victory