Two of the defeated T20 semi-finalists have another chance of domestic limited-over success after Hampshire and Nottinghamshire topped their respective YB40 tables at the end of the group stages today. In Group A, David Hussey took Notts over the line against Kent. Nearest rivals and T20 champions Northants also won handsomely, thanks to another four-for by Azharullah and a sensational innings of 167 - including ten sixes! - by David Willey. However, their final net run rate wasn't quite enough to qualify as best runners-up.
In Group B, Hampshire overcame Derbyshire, with opening batsman Michael Carberry contributing more in his role as occasional one-day spin bowler. He and Chris Wood each captured three wickets to thwart the hmoe side's run chase. This result rendered the Lancashire-Essex contest as one purely for second place bragging rights. Ravi Bopara crashed 130, then Tim Phillips claimed 5-42 as the Red Roses' pursuit of a tough target faltered in a welter of wickets. Surrey's sorry season got worse after losing to Durham by 133 runs. Will Smith (120 not out) and Gordon Muchall's sixth wicket stand of 163 alone easily beat Surrey's entire all-out total.
Somerset clinched first spot in Group C in the winner-takes-all clash at Bristol. Trescothick and Kieswetter shared a rare century partnership and Jos Buttler top-scored with 68 not out, although Tom Smith's hat-trick, split over two overs, was a rare highlight for Gloucestershire. Glamorgan had also started the day on fifteen points, but their run rate was much inferior to Somerset's. They also did what they needed to, defeating Yorkshire, with prime contributions from Chris Cooke (84) and late hitting by Graham Wagg, and sneak through to the semis where they should get an away draw.
Elsewhere, Moeen Ali followed his two Championship centuries with a 51 against Sussex, but Luke Wright and Matt Machan put on 184 in 19 overs to win with almost twelve overs to spare. Yorkshire Bank may be sponsoring the competition but their county disappointed, winning only three matches, two of them against the Unicorns. However, they are looking good for the Championship title following a ten-wicket demolition of Nottinghamshire. Surrey remain winless after losing by an innings to second-placed Durham, despite the latter missing their main bowlers. Derbyshire escaped the relegation places with a second victory of the summer at home to Middlesex. Wayne Madsen's unbeaten 138 made him the first player to reach 1000 Championship runs in 2013.
Next week, Durham can reduce the gap to only a few points if they beat Sussex, whose hopes of another title are still alive. Middlesex are also in the hunt, and will make the run-in even more interesting should they win the London derby against Surrey.
