Warwickshire vs Essex, at Chelmsford, Sep 13 2000 - Match Result

Essex gained promotion to the First Division with a six-wicket victory over contenders Warwickshire after the two captains had agreed to declare innings in an attempt to set up a positive finish

Drizzle delayed the resumption until 1.30 and with play underway in the other three promotion matches, both captains, Ronnie Irani and Neil Smith agreed to declarations to set up the possibility of a positive conclusion

Essex ended a fascinating day's play still needing 43 runs to avoid the follow-on with five wickets intact

Warwickshire declared immediately on reaching 400 which gained them their first batting point as they narrowed the gap on third placed Essex to just two points