Yorkshire rout Somerset by an innings

Yorkshire (22pts) 501 for 9 dec beat Somerset (3pts) 182 and 275 (J Francis 125*, Laraman 53) by an innings and 44 runs
Scorecard
Yorkshire wrapped up a convincing innings victory over 10-man Somerset despite a backs-to-the-wall century from John Francis, who carried his bat for a career-best unbeaten 125. With four wickets down overnight, and Marcus Trescothick away with his pregnant wife, Somerset were always going to struggle to save the game but they made Yorkshire work hard for their wickets. Aaron Laraman had just reached his half-century when he fell to Richard Dawson and Rob Turner (24) gave Francis good support until he was caught behind off Ian Harvey. Still, though, the tail did not fold as Richard Johnson and Andy Caddick hung around for almost an hour each. However, Matthew Hoggard returned and dismissed Caddick and Nixon McLean in consecutive balls as Yorkshire completed their first Championship win of the season - a fine effort considering the opened day was a complete wash-out.

Northamptonshire (12pts) 433 for 6 dec and 238 for 3 dec (Love 112*, Sales 79) drew with Leicestershire (9pts) 339 and 115 for 4 (Ackerman 50*)
Scorecard
The match at Northampton drifted to a draw after a late declaration from David Sales left his bowlers less than two sessions to try and bowl Leicestershire out. Sales looked to be powering Northants towards a well-timed declaration as he smashed 79 from just 65 balls - 66 of his runs coming in boundaries - during the morning session. He took a particular liking to Claude Henderson's left-arm spin, launching him for a huge six over mid-wicket, as he went for 69 in 10 overs. Martin Love had time to notch up a century from 132 balls before Sales halted the innings. When Leicestershire were reduced to 41 for 3 at tea - and with Darren Robinson retired hurt with a groin injury - Northants had a chance to vindicate Sales' timing, but a captain's innings from HD Ackerman guided Leicestershire side to safety.