Hayward launches the South African summer

Nantie Hayward set the tone for the South African squadron in England in the first round of four-day County Championship matches, which finished yesterday.

Hayward, making his debut for Worcestershire, took 4 for 95 and 5 for 70 - but their opponents Hampshire held on for a draw, mainly thanks to Nic Pothas, who made 146 not out (his first Championship hundred) and 48. The last pair of Alan Mullally and Ed Giddins - two of England's best-known rabbits - somehow survived eight balls to force the draw. Those who have studied Hayward's batting style in the past might be surprised to learn that he also contributed with the bat, scoring 22 in Worcestershire's first innings.

Jonty Rhodes, in his maiden first-class match for Gloucestershire, did finish on the winning side. He scored 42 and 55 against Somerset - for whom James Bryant made 19 and 31 - and Gloucestershire squeaked home by eight runs.

Nottinghamshire, the team with the biggest South African contingent, managed a three-wicket win over Warwickshire, and the old Northerns bowling pairing of Steve Elworthy (3 for 68 and 2 for 117) and Greg Smith (1 for 55 and 5 for 98) were the main wicket-takers. Kevin Pietersen, after a first-baller in the first innings, recovered with 54 in the second. Elworthy (4 and 0) didn't have much luck with the bat, but Smith did manage 35 in the first innings.

Sven Koenig carried on his form from last year, scoring 42 and 94 as Middlesex comfortably drew with Essex. But Andre Nel, playing for Northamptonshire, was on the receiving end as Yorkshire piled up 673 for 8 to win by the thumping margin of an innings and 383 runs. Nel struggled, with 1 for 120 and innings of 17 and 8 in this terribly one-sided affair. Gerald Brophy (2 and 0) didn't do much better for Northants as Yorkshire - champions in 2001 but relegated to the second division after last year - started their campaign in some style. Andrew Gait also has a miserable weekend, making 0 and 6 in Derbyshire's draw with Glamorgan.

Dewald Pretorius, Mark Davis and Andrew Hall have yet to appear in the Championship this season.