Colchester born all-rounder, Graham Napier made his final appearance at his home ground in Colchester and signed off in style by smashing a century before his retirement at the end of the season.
Earlier in the match, Napier shone with the ball taking 5 wickets in the Sussex first innings, to make it the perfect all-round performance.
Two three figure scores from Napier and Ryan ten Doeschate helped Essex to claw themselves back into the Specsavers County Championship match against Sussex to earn a draw.
Napier spoke after play to reflect on his personal acheivements during the match, as well as the race for promotion in the longer format of the game.