DERBYSHIRE were held up by Essex opener Nick Browne on the second day of their LV County Championship match at Chesterfield.
Though Derbyshire's bowlers made the batsmen work hard for their runs, they could not find a way through Browne, who was on a career-best 86 as Essex reached 202-5 at tea in reply to the home side's 275.
Derbyshire started the day on top as, with the 10th ball of the morning, Ravi Bopara was caught behind down the leg side for 15 to give Mark Footitt a second wicket at 30-2.
That brought in New Zealander Jesse Ryder, who showed his power with a pulled six into the trees off Tony Palladino but was given a let-off shortly after when he was dropped at second slip by Alex Hughes off Tom Taylor.
It was a bad miss but, before a run had been added, Ryder played on to Taylor in his next over and went for 32 at 88-3.
James Foster moved on to 29 without ever looking convincing and finally played on to a wide Taylor ball aiming a loose cut, then Ryan ten Doeschate was lbw to Hughes for two three overs later to make it 165-5.
But Browne and Greg Smith (14) were still there at tea, with Essex having cut the first innings deficit to 73.
There was no Wes Durston in the field for Derbyshire following his blow to the head while batting on day one but it is hoped he will be cleared to play tomorrow.
