Kent on course for last eight

Surrey celebrate their 10-run victory against Hampshire © Getty Images

South

League leaders Kent consolidated their hold on the division with a 10-run win over Sussex at Hove. Chasing 156 to win, Sussex appeared on course when they reached 120 for 3, but Andrew Hall chipped in with three wickets as the home side slumped to 145 all out.

Surrey kept their quarter-final hopes alive with a 10-run win over Hampshire at The Rose Bowl, with Azhar Mahmood setting them on their way with 65 off 30 balls and two wickets. Mark Ramprakash clashed with spectators who had been jeering him.

Middlesex's wretched form continued as they went down by three wickets at Chelmsford to Essex

Gloucestershire moved to the top of the divison with a 24-run win over Worcestershire at New Road, with Jon Lewis taking three crucial wickets at a time the home side seemed on course to overhaul Gloucestershire's 203 for 7. Graeme Hick took the batting honours with 75 off 34 balls, but it was not enough to prevent Worcestershire sliding to their fifth defeat in as many matches.

Pre-tournament favourites Lancashire's hopes of reaching the last eight were dealt a blow as they lost to Durham by five wickets at Old Trafford. Lancashire limped to 117 for 8, but Durham themselves struggled to overcome a modest target, Jimmy Maher (51) playing the anchor role as they sneaked home off the final ball.