Report

Worcestershire struggle despite Davies ton

A round-up from the latest Championship matches as Nottinghamshire take strides towards victory and Essex wrap up a two-and-a-half day win

Cricinfo staff
23-Apr-2009

Division One

3rd day
Nottinghamshire are on course for victory after Worcestershire limped to 24 for 3 in their second innings at Trent Bridge having failed to save the follow-on by two runs despite a fine century from Steven Davies. Batting a second time, Andre Adams claimed two wickets in three balls and Mark Ealham had Daryl Mitchell caught behind as Worcestershire ended the day as they start - firmly on the back foot. However, between times there was some impressive resistance especially from Davies who struck 126 and showed the talent that attracted the England selectors. Mitchell offered solid support with 80 before he became Graeme Swann's first wicket, but Gareth Batty (22) and Ashley Noffke (39) formed useful stands. At 330 for 6 the follow-on was within sight only for Swann and Samit Patel to spin out the last four wickets for 24. Those two extra runs could be the difference a draw and a defeat
A fascinating final day is in prospect at Hove as Sussex laboured to a lead of 138 with five wickets remaining against Lancashire. It was all even on first innings as Luke Wright claimed a career-best 5 for 80 to restrict Lancashire to 299, one short of a third batting point. Steven Croft fell without adding to his overnight 59 and Mark Chilton was trapped leg before for 89 as Lancashire missed the chance of a significant lead. Sajid Mahmood and James Anderson edged them ahead by 10 before Anderson once again starred with the ball. As in the first innings he nailed both openers - Chris Nash edging behind and Michael Yardy was bowled as he tried to shoulder arms - and after a stand of 50 between Ed Joyce and Murray Goodwin, Gary Keedy changed the game again. He had Goodwin stumped trying to drive through mid-on and trapped Matt Prior lbw in the space of three balls to really put the pressure on the home side. Joyce, for the second time in the match, was anchoring the order but Keedy had the final say when he struck with the last ball of the day to leave Lancashire fancying their chances.
2nd day
For a full report of Durham against Yorkshire at Chester-le-Street where Michael Vaughan and Steve Harmison went head-to-head click here.
For a full report of Warwickshire's game against Hampshire at Edgbaston where Jim Troughton hit a hundred and Marcus North made a hasty departure click here.

Division Two

3rd day
Essex overcame a small wobble to secure a seven-wicket victory shortly after lunch on the third day at Bristol against Gloucestershire. The home side added just four more to their overnight total before Vikram Banerjee became Ryan ten Doeschate's eighth wicket of the match and James Foster claimed a record-equalling ninth catch. It left Essex needing 98, but they quickly slipped to 6 for 2 and suddenly the target looked a lot bigger. However, Matt Walker used all his experience to calm the situation and, although Jason Gallian also departed, captain Mark Pettini helped see the chase through to the end.
2nd day
Normality returned to proceedings at Derby as Scott Newman's century led a positive Surrey resurgence after they conceded a first-innings lead of 143 against Derbyshire. Newman scored almost as many as the whole Surrey side managed in the first innings before edging Garry Park late in the day for 124 as the visitors ended with a lead of 70. Laurie Evans's dismissal, bowled by a shooter from Jonathan Clare, showed a run chase might not be easy. Derbyshire's own advantage had been more considerable than might have been expected when they started the day seven down and just 21 to the good. However, Greg Smith showed runs could be scored on the pitch and Graham Wagg chipped in with 34. Then Ian Hunter hit well for 47 in a last-wicket stand 83 but couldn't stay long enough for Smith to reach a richly deserved hundred.
For a full report from Middlesex and Glamorgan at Lord's where Phillip Hughes continued a good match for Australians click here.