Sussex pulled off a thrilling one-run victory over Essex in their Norwich Union National League Division Two clash at Chelmsford.

When James Kirtley stepped up to bowl the final over, Essex required nine runs to reach the required target of 244 and looked as if they would collect them as six arrived from the paceman's first three deliveries.

But with his fourth he shattered the stumps of Tim Mason and only a bye came from the final couple of balls to leave Essex two short on a total of 242 from their 45 overs.

Only an hour or so earlier, Essex appeared well on course for victory as they moved to 147 for one.

At that point Stephen Peters and Stuart Law were only three short of a century partnership and batting with great authority.

But then, helped by some superb fielding, Sussex stormed back into the match by claiming four wickets in the space of five overs.

Law, having made 40 from 41 balls, was run out following a magnificent throw from the deep by Bas Zuiderent, and almost immediately Kirtley's direct hit from mid-off accounted for home skipper Ronnie Irani.

Peters was also dismissed during that collapse, with his 66 - including eight boundaries - coming to an end when he was bowled by off-spinner Mark Davis.

Later Paul Grayson and Ashley Cowan revived Essex's hopes with a partnership of 48 in a little more than five overs - but in the end it was the nerve of Kirtley and Sussex that won the day. Grayson finished unbeaten with 48 from 40 deliveries.

The Sussex innings was built upon a opening century partnership featuring Richard Montgomerie and Murray Goodwin.

They put on 106 in 24 overs before Goodwin was dismissed for 42, and Montgomerie went on to make 91, his highest in the competition, before he was run out. His effort spanned 116 balls and contained 10 fours.