Delray Rawlins enjoyed his best performance with the bat in the Bob Willis Trophy but could not prevent Sussex suffering a three-wicket defeat against Essex at the 1st Central County Ground yesterday.Having suffered an innings and 25-run defeat in their previous outing against Kent, Sussex were aiming to make amends against their in-form South Group rivals.However, after holding a 54-run advantage heading into their second innings, Sussex failed to build a substantial total with Simon Harmer proving their main tormentor.The South African tore through Sussex’s order as the hosts slumped from 57 for two overnight to 141 all out with Harmer finishing up with a five-wicket haul.Only Rawlins put up any real resistance scoring 40 from 42 balls including two big sixes, before the Bermudian was added the Harmer’s scalps, caught leg before trying to make quick runs with the tail order.Dan Lawrence then took centre stage as his half-century led Essex to a successful chase, finishing up on 199 for seven.Lawrence struck 60 off 77 balls, supported by captain Tom Westley (24) with the pair sharing a vital 69-run partnership for the third wicket.Essex remain the only side with a perfect record after three rounds, leading the South Group on 61 points, while Sussex sit second from bottom, with one win and two defeats.