The closest match of the day came at Headingley where Essex edged out Yorkshire by just 13 runs.
Cordelia Griffith put on 95 with captain Grace Scrivens (36) after Essex had been put into bat, with Griffith’s 69 the highest score of the innings.
But with useful contributions through the middle and lower order, they posted 270-8 off their 50 overs.
Yorkshire captain Lauren Winfield-Hill looked to be leading her team to the target as she hit 88 off only 73 balls but the game turned on her dismissal to make it 142-3.
Number four Sterre Kalis made 65 from 60 balls but she was left high and dry as wickets tumbled at the other end.
From 211-4 in the 37th over, they were eventually bowled out less than 10 overs later for 257 as Essex moved off the bottom of the table.
Match scorecard