Leicestershire falter in title chase

Leicestershire's hopes of maintaining their challenge in Division One on the Frizzell County Championship suffered a setback when they were beaten by 144 runs at Edgbaston. Warwickshire declared after Shaun Pollock (65) had helped them to a total of 206 for seven, and the victory target of 299 always looked too much. Neil Smith took five for 42 and Pollock three for 23 as the visitors subsided to 154 all out.

Sussex completed another humiliation for the champions at Headingley. Yorkshire, who had followed on 219 runs behind last night, were today bowled out again for 125, with James Kirtley taking five for 41. Sussex won by an innings and 94 runs.

Somerset's game with Hampshire at Bath ended in a draw as the hosts fell just 17 runs short of their victory target. Richard Johnson took seven for 43 as Hampshire were dismissed for 98, leaving Somerset requiring 190 to win. Despite 48 from Peter Bowler, a late flurry of wickets gave the visitors a sniff of victory before Keith Dutch and Matt Bulbeck shut up shop.

Derbyshire continued their domination of Division Two with a four-wicket win over Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. Dominic Cork took six for 78 as Notts were bowled out for 175 in their second innings, and Chris Bassano then led the victory charge with 79 as Derbyshire consolidated their grip on the Second Divison.

Essex duly completed victory over Northants at Ilford. An innings of 68 from Tobin Bailey extended Northants' second innings effort to 361 all out, John Stephenson taking three wickets today to end with four for 87. Essex then knocked off the 68 runs required for victory for the loss of just one wicket, William Jefferson finishing on 33 not out.

Worcestershire drew with Durham at Chester-le-Street. Allan Donald took five for 77 as Durham were bowled out for 243, and the visitors ended on 60 for five in their second innings, Neil Killeen taking four for 26.

Middlesex and Glamorgan drew their rain-hit game at Lord's. Ed Joyce made 73 before Middlesex declared on 403 for nine in reply to Glamorgan's 369.