Crushing defeat for Bradford/Leeds

Oxford's Amit Suman and Paul McMahon added 39 unbeaten runs for the ninth wicket, as Surrey were denied victory in The Parks. After being set an improbable 350 for victory, Oxford slipped from 98 for 2 to 115 for 8 as Ian Salisbury and Jimmy Ormond tore through the middle order, but they were unable to seal the win.

At Chester-le-Street, Durham's students also pulled off an improbable draw with two wickets in hand, after Gavin Hamilton had picked up his first three wickets since his move from Yorkshire. Their captain - the man in white, Will Smith - was at the heart of their resistance with 48, and at 127 for 5 with time running out, they were in control of their own destiny. Three quick wickets caused a panic in the dressing-room, but Durham left their push too late.

And there was another draw down at Taunton, where Loughborough and Somerset batted each other to a standstill. Jamie Cox's 172 gave Somerset a first-innings lead of 75, but the students batted resolutely in their second outing. Richard Clinton was forced to retire hurt, but Chris Nash's unbeaten half-century secured the stalemate.

No such luck for Cardiff, who slumped to defeat by an innings and 224 runs against Worcestershire at New Road. From 5 for 2 in their second innings, there wasn't much hope of salvation, and they duly folded for 164. Cambridge fared slightly better at Fenner's. Their second-innings 245 included eight scores in double figures, including Chris Wright's 57, but they couldn't avoid a 153-run defeat against Essex.

And at Headingley, Yorkshire crushed Bradford/Leeds UCCE by 481 runs. Jonathan Siddall contributed a brave unbeaten 75, but he couldn't find lasting support from his team-mates, as Bradford/Leeds were bowled out for 172.