Carl Hopkinson completed his second Championship century of the season to help put Sussex's 2nd XI on the brink of victory against Essex at Billericay.

Hopkinson hammered 21 fours in making 121 as Sussex amassed 451 to gain a first innings lead of 184.

Pace bowler Shaun Rashid then snapped up 2-17 to put Essex in more trouble and the hosts resume the final day on 141-5 - still needing 43 to make Sussex bat again.

All-rounder Hopkinson, 61 not out overnight, was fourth out when caught at deep gulley off West Indian paceman Joseph Grant, who finished with 6-77.

Hopkinson faced 160 balls in his three-hour vigil and Richard Jackson (61) and teenager Andrew Hodd (44) helped stretch Sussex's lead further by adding 84 for the sixth wicket.

Hodd fell leg before to paceman Justin Bishop before Jackson's two-and-three-quarter hour knock was ended when he was bowled by Grant, having struck six fours. Luke Marshall and Billy Taylor were both sent back cheaply but Paul Hutchison (23) and Rashid (9 not out) added 24 for the last wicket.

Hutchison quickly had Essex struggling by having Steve Pausen caught at cover for only a single and Adnan Akram then fell to Taylor for 29.

Off spinner Marshall completed a fine day for Sussex by having opener Ravinder Bopara leg before for 40, after Rashid had struck twice to remove Arfan Akram (1) and Ryan Tendoeschate (4).