ESSEX have secured promotion from County Championship Division Two after a captain’s innings from Ryan ten Doeschate saw them over the line.

Ten Doeschate (94 not out) alongside former captain James Foster (23 not out) did the damage in the middle as Essex booked their place in Division One for next season.

Chris Silverwood’s men needed four bonus points on Day Two of their match with Glamorgan, after Graham Napier and Jamie Porter had excelled with the ball.

All out for 286, Glamorgan started well and Essex were in real trouble at 34-3.

But in came Adam Wheater on his return to the club, making a steadfast 59 before ten Doeschate and Foster stole the show.

Sussex’s failure to secure maximum batting bonus points in their match meant Essex needed just 250 to secure their place in division one, with ten Doeschate striking the runs necessary to see the hosts over the line and earn a third batting bonus point.