It was a battle between two counties yet to win a Championship match this season, and Durham vs Lancashire proved to be a very close-run thing. The home side were skittled for 102 thanks to Luke Procter's 5-17, then Graham Onions led the response with renewed vigour. Only Kyle Hogg's late-order resistance and Paul Horton carrying his bat for 49 ensured a first innings lead for the Red Roses. An excellent Ben Stokes century meant that Lancashire needed 200 to win. This time Horton lasted only one ball but, despite another six wickets from Onions, the champions sneaked home by just two wickets. It was misery upon misery for Durham, as their fine for a slow over rate meant they actually achieved MINUS one point and are rooted to bottiom place. At least Onions has bowled hmself into contention for a Test recall this week.
The top two counties weren't playing this week, but weather and Worcestershire's top order prevented Somerset from taking full advantage. All eyes were on Nick Compton's attempt to become the first man since Graeme Hick to hit 1000 first-class runs before the end of May. The traditional landmark now seems rather ridiculous because the domestic season starts so much earlier but Compton has been in excellent form. Sadly, rain washed out his innings on the 31st, before he proceeded to another century the next day. Hey-ho! The final day petered out into a draw with such inevitability that Somerset even bowled Craig Kieswetter. Weirdly the wicketkeeper ended with two wickets for three runs and will probably end the season at the top of the bowling averages!
In the other Division One match, Middlesex advanced closer to Somerset by beating Sussex at Lord's. Tim Murtagh claimed 5-55 before five Middlesex batsmen struck half-centuries on the way to a first innings lead of 208. The visitors only just did enough to make Robson and Rogers bat again, but they only needed ten miniutes to wrap up victory and secure 23 points.
The Division Two leaders Derbyshire were surprisingly well beaten by Gloucestershire at Bristol. Maybe it was the news of the successful attempt to redevelop the county ground that spurred them on. Not for the first time they relied heavily on the Gidman brothers; Alex's runs and Will's wickets produced a seven-wicket triumph. Derbyshire remain top, but Yorkshire narrowed the margin after drawing against Northamptonshire. Rain destoyed any chance of a result, but Joe Root's 125 helped divert attention from Adil Rashid's controversial dropping from the Tykes's first team. Actually, Adil only has himself to blame, and Azeem Rafiq performed OK in his place.
The basement battle between Glamorgan and Leicestershire seemed to be going the way of the Welsh side when James Allenby and Dean Cosker reduced Leicester to 271, then Marcus North and Mark Wallace each reached three figures. Glamorgan piled up 558-9 declared, also assisted by some dreadful bowling from Robbie Joseph, who contributed 13 no-balls to the Glamorgan cause! Fortunately, Michael Thornly (131) and Ned Eckersley (137 not out) saw their side to safety on day four, leaving them fourteen points ahead.
This week sees the last Championship fixtures before the T20 slogfest intervenes. Warwickshire must be confident of regaining top spot as they visit Durham who may be without Onions. However, Notts, who currently stand proud by a solitary point, have a slightly tougher game against Lancashire. Middlesex and Somerset meet to fight for third place, while Surrey and Sussex will crave a victory to pull themselves away from the relegation berths. In Division Two, only Gloucestershire sit it out, while Derbyshire hope to recover by beating Leicestershire, and Yorkshire travel to Colwyn Bay to rub Welsh noses into the sea water. At least Derby know they will go into the break guaranteed of first place. Kent and Northants also meet, with a chance of overtaking the White Roses.
