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Worcestershire returned to the first division in the Norwich Union League by beating Essex at New Road in comprehensive fashion.

Relegated on the final day of last season after five consecutive defeats, the Royals had endured another five-match spell without a win.

But they returned to winning ways in a match reduced to 30-overs-a-side because of persistent rain interruptions.

Worcestershire's recent wobble began with a defeat at Chelmsford and they were in no mood to let Essex cause another upset.

Phil Weston was the primary force with the bat. He made 68 from 86 balls, and shared in half-century stands with Anurag Singh (21) and Graeme Hick (46).

Weston hit eight fours before he was caught at deep mid-wicket off Paul Grayson shortly before rain curtailed Worcestershire's innings.

Essex start badly

Essex needed to score at more than six an over and never recovered from losing both openers for just seven runs.

Graham Napier was lbw to Andy Bichel and Hick held a stunning left-handed catch when Darren Robinson edged Alamgir Sheriyar to slip.

Essex slipped to 51 for six in the 17th over and Richard Clinton was left unbeaten on 26 when Bichel came back to claim the last wicket, signing off the season with figures of two for three.

Tom Moody, Worcestershire's director of cricket, said: "We have played some good cricket, particularly in one-day games, and today's match reflected that.

"We set to out to achieve promotion and we have done that."

Worcestershire: W P C Weston, A Singh, G A Hick (Capt), V S Solanki D A Leatherdale, P R Pollard, A J Bichel, S J Rhodes (Wkt) S R Lampitt, M J Rawnsley, A Sheriyar.
Essex: D D J Robinson, G R Napier, A P Cowan, M L Pettini R C Irani (Capt), A P Grayson, J S Foster (Wkt), R S Clinton B J Hyam, J E Bishop, A J Clarke.