In the latest round of Frizzell County Championship matches, Somerset hosted Warwickshire in the only Division One match of the day. The visitors, looking to climb into second place, are well set after the first day with Michael Burns (95) falling narrowly short of a century. Ian Blackwell was the star, clubbing his way to 110 off only 105 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes. Matthew Wood was trapped leg-before in the first over by New Zealander Shane Bond, but Somerset then played the bowlers with ease to end the day with 403 for nine. Graham Wagg claimed three for 62 for the Midlanders.

Michael Di Venuto led by example to put Derbyshire in the driving seat against Division Two leaders Middlesex at Lord's. Di Venuto scored an unbeaten 173 and was in outstanding form as he helped his side maintain their presence in the promotion run-in. His innings included 19 boundaries, but it was his running between the wickets that frustrated the fielding side. Australian pace bowler, Ashley Noffke, although expensive, claimed five wickets. The visitors finished on 375 for eight.

Essex edged nearer to promotion after dismissing bottom-of-the-table Durham for just 259 at Colchester. Michael Gough scored a resilient 103 but couldn't save the visitors from registering yet another low score. John Stephenson picked up two for 20 off 14 overs and Mark Ilott also claimed two as the hosts gained the upper hand. Essex lost three quick wickets in reply. Darren Robinson and Will Jefferson were both caught behind without a score to their name. Andy Flower soon followed when he edged Ian Hunter (two for 15) to Gough at slip. Essex, without six first-team regulars, have it all to do tomorrow after closing on 24 for three.

At Trent Bridge, Gloucestershire found batting difficult as Nottinghamshire bowled with great conviction. Paul Franks (four for 33), and Stuart MacGill (three for 44) excelled as the visitors scored just 173 in their first innings. Ian Fisher made 57 with nine fours and one six, but the home side took full control early on. In reply the hosts were at one stage 76 for three, before the in-form Kevin Pietersen struck 12 fours in an unbeaten, 49-ball 60 before bad light stopped play with his side on 165-3, still eight runs behind.

Carl Greenidge took five for 44 as Glamorgan slumped to 144 all out against second-from-bottom Northamptonshire at Northampton. Matthew Maynard was the only batsman to offer his side a lifeline, as he top scored with 43. In reply, the hosts took advantage of their opponents' lacklustre performance. Richard White scored an eye-catching 80 (11 fours, two sixes) before he was bowled by Andrew Davies. At stumps Northants held a lead of 61 runs, on 205 for three.

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