Jamie Pipe's explosive 36 and a composed 77 by Chris Rogers took Derbyshire to a four-wicket victory over Essex in a contrived run-chase.

The rain-hit match was heading for a draw until Essex agreed to set a target of 266 off a minimum of 65 overs.

Pipe smashed three consecutive fours off Andre Nel and Derbyshire got home with four wickets and 32 balls left.

Steve Stubbings (57) and Rogers gave Derbyshire a solid platform with an opening stand of 78.

In the morning, Essex were gifted a second-innings total of 234-2, with only John Sadler of the part-time bowlers conceding less than seven an over.

Jason Gallian, Tom Westley and Ravi Bopara all helped themselves to half-centuries.

But the total was not enough to prevent Derbyshire's first Championship victory over Essex at Derby for 10 years.