Essex made heavy weather of victory after John Stephenson took two more wickets on Saturday morning to end up with extraordinary figures of seven for 44.

Stephenson's feats meant Essex needed just 135 to victory with Worcestershire all out for 140, but they stumbled to 13-3 at lunch and looked in real trouble.

Fortunately, however, Zimbabwean international Andy Flower (47) showed the necessary calm and self-control to steer his side to the brink of victory.

And in the end it was captain Ronnie Irani with that man Stephenson for company who made sure Essex were able to collect their inagural victory in this year's Championship.

Peters injury

Worcestershire began Saturday on 98 for six, with former Essex batsman Stephen Peters absent hurt.

Stephen Rhodes and Kabir Ali added 31 for the seventh wicket. But when Stephenson had wicket-keeper Rhodes caught by Darren Robinson for 22, the end came quickly.

Essex's victory push was initially de-railed by Ali and Alamgir Sheriyar.

Ali bowled Robinson for a duck in the first over, then Sheriyar dismissed Richard Clinton and Aftab Habib for single-figure scores.

But Flower and Paul Grayson put on 53 after lunch for the fourth wicket, and from then on Essex were set for victory.

Irani finished on 32, with Stephenson 13.