In what was generally a cold wet week, cricket at The Oval was better suited for a result, but it was Durham, not Surrey who came out on top in another low-scoring affair. The home side have now lost not only their skipper and overseas talisman Graeme Smith but also their first four Championship matches. Scott Borthwick and debutant Ryan Buckley were the pick of Durham's bowlers as they opened up a handy lead over Middlesex who could only play out a soggy draw at Warwickshire. On the plus side, Sam Robson maintained his excellent early-season form by stroking an unbeaten 215, also taking his first-class career average into the 40s.
At Headingley, Somerset almost contrived to lose a game heading for a rain-hit draw. Gary Ballance and Asil Rashid made up for the absence on Lions duty of Root and Bairstow with a 207-run fifth wicket partnership. If only Somerset could reproduce their YB40 batting in the Championship (sigh...).
In Division Two, Lancashire advanced to second place by winning a very tight game against Essex. Graham Napier's century was the difference between them in the first innings but Lancashire reject Saj Mahmood handed his old county victory with some poor bowling and a dropped catch which allowed Mickelburgh and Pettini to scramble a last-over single and take the match by three wickets.
Northants remain top despite having a week off, but at Bristol, Gloucestershire's extra bonus points took them level with their Hampshire opposition in third place. Jimmy Adams carried his bat for 138 but the home team's opener Michael Klinger surpassed that with 163 in a game which had draw written all over it after a dismal first two days. Gloucester all-rounder Will Gidman injured himself bowling the first over of Hampshire's second innings, which must be a serious blow to a county already short on quality.
In the other tie, awful weather again overshadowed any cricket, although bright spots included centuries from Thilan Samaraweera and Ned Eckersley, and a five-for from Jagir Naik. Leicester now face runaway leaders Northants and Glamorgan could go third by beating Essex. However, it's in Cardiff so personal experience suggests it'll be a washout!
Back in the top tier, Somerset (home to Middlesex), Surrey (at Notts) and Derbyshire (hosting Sussex) all hope to secure a first win of the season while Warwickshire and Yorkshire are vying for the chance to overtake Durham as Championship front-runners. With some of their best players potentially on England duty, it will be a test of their strength in depth. However, that is one qualilty both counties seem to enjoy at the moment.
