Essex didn't have to wait long to have their Specsavers County Championship title confirmed as rivals Lancashire fell to defeat on the final day of their division one game against Somerset.

Having beaten Warwickshire yesterday, Essex ensured that they had done their bit in completing a first County Championship crown in 25 years, but had to keep the Champagne on ice overnight as they waited for Lancashire's result at Taunton.

If their only remaining title rivals had avoided defeat on the final day of their game, then Essex would be kept waiting to confirm their title win, however, Lancashire's hopes of prolonging the fight faded early.

The remaining two wickets of their second innings fell in the morning session and, despite losing three wickets along the way, hosts Somerset knocked off the 68 runs they needed for victory before lunch.

The news meant that Essex's title was confirmed with two games of the season remaining.