This week was quite unusual in that the runs were concentrated in the hands of a few heavy scorers. Some are household names but two youngsters stole the show. At Chester-le-Street, Sussex lost their 100% record to Durham. However, not only did they remain Division One leaders but their tenth wicket partnership record was broken by Oliver Robinson (aged 21) and Matthew Hobden (22). More remarkable was the fact that the former was making his first-class debut.
At Taunton, Middlesex produced a magnificent fourth day batting display to add to Somerset's woes. Amazingly, more than 700 runs were contributed by just three players! Marcus Trescothick (140 and 76) and James Hildreth (187 and 86) totally dominated the home team's innings but in the end it was Adam Voges and James Franklin, whose centuries secured a six-wicket success. At least it wasn't Nick Compton rubbing his old county's noses in the brown stuff!
An intriguingly poised contest between Nottinghamshire and Hampshire was spoilt by fourth day rain. Alex Hales added another 235 runs to his 2015 Championship tally and the two Taylors Brendon and James helped set the home team a hefty target of nearly 400. However, the weather ensured neither side achieved a result. The other top tier fixture also ended in a draw. Warwickshire were in the driving seat for three days, Ian Westwood top-scoring both times and featuring a career-best 196. However, the champions lost only four wickets on the final day to save the situation. New recruit James Middlebrook proved he can still spin it at the top level by taking eight Warwickshire wickets.
In Division Two, Lancashire made it two wins from two, beating Kent by nine wickets after enforcing the follow-on. 20 year-old Lancashire 'keeper Alex Davies just missed out on his maiden hundred, but Ashwell Prince did reach three figures and Paul Horton scored a couple of 50s. Kyle Jarvis was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-50 and 4-67.
Nevertheless, the most noteworthy performance of the week came from Essex number three Daniel Lawrence. Aged just 17, and in the side only because Ravi Bopara was at the IPL, the local boy stroked an excellent 161 to become the third youngest centurion in County Championship history! Even the opposition's greying Kevin Pietersen deigned to shake the hand of the young man, half his age and presumably earning sub-muppet wages. Sadly a final day washout allowed Surrey to escape a likely innings defeat.
Northants failed to win a single match in Division One last year and they gave lowly Leicestershire a rare first innings lead at Grace Road. However, the home county experienced their usual defeat in a game which offered all bowlers some help. All-rounder and prospective one-day England international David Willey top-scored with 88.
At Bristol, Derbyshire made Gloucestershire pay on the second day, with Martin Guptill registering the only double-century of the week. Geraint Jones' outfit made a decent fist of their second innings but the damage had been done. Mark Footitt also captured nine wickets.
Next week's highlights look like being Durham's trip to Lord's and Lancashire's trip to Northampton. I just hope that Somerset find enough form to overcome fellow strugglers Worcestershire, but the weather forecast ain't good.
Team of the Week: Trescothick (Som, *), Westwood (War), Hales (Not), Guptill |Der), Lawrence(Ess), Hildreth (Som), Davies (Lan, +), Willey (Nth), Jarvis (Lan), Footitt (Der), Rankin (War)
