Thumping win for Yorkshire

Essex v Middlesex, Chelmsford Scorecard

Sven Koenig fell six runs short of his century, but Middlesex were fighting hard to overcome a hefty first-innings deficit. Essex had earlier been bowled out for 402, a lead of 188, thanks to a lusty half-century from their No. 9, Jon Dakin, which included four sixes. In reply, Middlesex's top four all scored in excess of 40, as they closed of 251 for 4, a lead of 62.

Notts v Warwickshire, Trent Bridge Scorecard

Warwickshire's new captain, Ashley Giles, rescued his side from considerable peril with a 118-ball 94, but Notts remained on course for victory, thanks to an unbeaten 94-run partnership between Darren Dicknell and Usman Afzaal. Before Giles's knock, Warwickshire had been 170 for 6 in their second innings, a lead of 43.

Surrey v Lancashire, The Oval Scorecard

So much for the pre-season predictions. James Anderson, who has spent much of his winter denting far greater reputations than those at stake at The Oval, took the first five wickets to fall as Surrey were forced to follow on against Lancashire. Anderson's victims included Graham Thorpe and Mark Ramprakash, and Ramprakash was dismissed for the second time in the day shortly before the close.

Derbyshire v Glamorgan Scorecard

Matthew Maynard and Robert Croft combined to keep Glamorgan's hopes alive, but Derbyshire still held the upper hand. Maynard converted his overnight 85 into a magnificent 142, before Croft took four of the five wickets to fall in Derbyshire's second innings, despite half-centuries for Michael di Venuto and Chris Bassano.

Gloucs v Somerset, Bristol Scorecard

Jack Russell scored an unbeaten 78 to turn the tables on Somerset at Bristol, After conceding a first-innings deficit of 86, Russell was at his attritional best for five-and-a-half hours, and received ample support from Roger Sillence (40). Marcus Trescothick fell early as Somerset chased 283, but Peter Bowler was unbeaten on 38.

Worcs v Hampshire, Worcester Scorecard

Ben Smith completed a memorable Championship captaincy debut by adding a three-hour 82 to his first-innings 104, as Worcestershire kept their noses in front against Hampshire. Building on a first-innings lead of 49, Smith rescued his county after a feisty opening spell from Wasim Akram, adding 97 for the fourth wicket with Vikram Solanki (45).

Yorkshire v Northants, Headingley Scorecard

Yorkshire served notice of their intent to return to the first division forthwith with a two-and-a-bit-day obliteration of Northants at Headingley. Needing 490 to avoid an innings defeat, Phil Jaques and Jeff Cook added 48 for the third wicket, but no other batsman reached double figures. Jaques was eighth man out for 60, as Chris Silverwood and Darren Gough shared seven wickets.

Cambridge UCCE v Kent, Fenner's Scorecard

A bold century from Arfan Akram kept Kent at bay, as Cambridge UCCE held out for a draw at Fenner's. Kent opted for batting practice in their second innings, Matt Walker top-scoring with 92.