ESSEX inflicted an innings and 129-run defeat on Worcestershire - relegating their opponents back to Specsavers County Championship Division Two.

The latter had only been promoted last season but this setback means they will return straight back to the second tier.

Jamie Porter was once again the chief destroyer of the Worcestershire batting line-up as he ended the second innings with figures of four for 76, handing him match analysis of 11 for 98.

It was the second time he had claimed ten wickets in a match during his career.

Simon Harmer also chipped in with a crafty four for 76 as Worcestershire were bowled out for 251.

Joe Clarke had batted brilliantly on day two to reach 74 overnight – but the promising batsman failed to add to his score.

Porter angled the third delivery of the morning into Clarke, who was beaten between bat and pad to see his middle stump cartwheeling backwards.

It was the first time this season Clarke had failed to convert a half-century into three figures, having previously passed 50 three times this year.

The wicket also gave Porter ten wickets in a match for the second time in his career, having boasted best first-class figures of seven for 41 in the first innings.

Ben Cox was the next man to fall when he steamed down the wicket and attempted to sweep Harmer, but was clean bowled.

Three balls later, night-watchman Josh Tongue edged Sam Cook to Dan Lawrence at gully.

A half-hour rain delay held up Essex, as did Ed Barnard and Wayne Parnell, who put on 51 for the eighth wicket.

But two balls after lunch, Porter snatched his fourth scalp of the innings when Barnard flicked behind.

Parnell continued and crashed his way to a 94 ball half-century, which included two straight sixes, with Ben Twohig accompanying him with an eye-catching 18.

But Twohig pushed Harmer to Ryan ten Doeschate at short leg before Dillon Pennington was bowled next ball to confirm Worcestershire’s demotion and hand Essex a maximum 24 points, to continue their hopes of finishing second.