• County Cricket round-up

Kieswetter hits ton as Somerset stun Warcs in thriller

ESPN staff
July 21, 2012
Craig Kieswetter made 152 off 170 balls for Somerset © Getty Images
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A big century from Craig Kieswetter and five wickets for Gemaal Hussain helped Somerset pull off victory over championship leaders Warwickshire in a thrilling finish to keep their own bid for the title very much alive.

Warwickshire lost their last seven wickets for the addition of 58 runs in less than 16 overs due to inspired bowling from Hussain, before the Cidermen chased down a victory total of 271 courtesy of Kieswetter's century, well supported by a painstaking 52 from Nick Compton. With 12 runs needed and five wickets in hand, a late collapse put the result back in doubt as Keith Barker took four quick wickets but Peter Trego finally hit the boundary that secured a one-wicket success.

Australian Steve Magoffin proved the match-winner for Sussex in a gripping climax to the contest against Durham at Arundel. He took six for 22 as Durham were dismissed for 93 in their second innings, then scored 23 not out to see his side to a two-wicket win. Needing 94, Sussex looked doomed when Magoffin went to the crease at 50 for seven, but Kirk Wernars helped him put on 23 then James Anyon knocked off the remaining runs.

Nottinghamshire seamer Andre Adams became the first bowler to take 50 County Championship wickets this season as his side's clash with Surrey at Trent Bridge fizzled out into a draw.

After two days has been lost to rain, the hosts advanced their first innings score of 178 for five to 328 all out with the help of a 145-run stand in 34 overs between Chris Read (98) and Adam Voges (59), with Stuart Meaker picking up five for 78. In reply, Jason Roy blasted an entertaining 83 and Rory Burns (79) struck a maiden Championship half-century before Adams returned from a wicketless first spell to finish with four for 51 as Surrey closed on 252 for six.

The top-of-the-table showdown in Division Two of the LV= County Championship between Derbyshire and Yorkshire ended in stalemate and frustration when no play was possible for the third day running at Chesterfield. It means both teams take six points from the contest and leaders Derbyshire remain 25 points in front of one of their promotion rivals who held a slight advantage in this game before the weather intervened.

Leicestershire's bowlers held their nerve to deny Gloucestershire victory on a thrilling final day of the match at Cheltenham. Set 222 to win in 53 overs, Gloucestershire looked to be favourites after half-centuries from skipper Alex Gidman and Dan Housego put them in the driving seat. Needing 47 off the final 10 overs, Gloucestershire faltered badly at the death, losing four quick wickets before putting up the shutters and settling for the draw. They reached the close on 209 for eight, just 13 runs short of their target.

On a day of two declarations, Essex and Hampshire were locked in an intriguing struggle for victory in their battle at Chelmsford. Faced with a target of 360, Essex will go into the final day on 102 for two, with Billy Godleman seeking to add to his 37 that has so far spanned three hours.

Glamorgan's batsmen showed their resolve and a willingness to battle on day three at Canterbury, digging in against Kent to reach 264 for seven and improve their chances of avoiding the follow-on. Kent declared on their overnight first-innings total of 456 for nine when play finally started at noon, setting the Welsh county 307 to avoid the follow-on, and by stumps the visitors were only 43 short of their target with three first-innings wickets intact.

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