Even if they cannot open it just yet, Surrey can put the celebratory championship champagne on ice after reaching 544 against Warwickshire and so take a first innings lead of 199. Nadim Shahid led the way on the third day with an innings of 116, Adam Hollioake was 82 not out while Ali Brown weighed in with a half century. There were four wickets each for Ashley Giles and Dougie Brown. Second time around, Warwickshire have reduced the arrears to 45, but they have lost three wickets in doing so.

Having gone all season without winning a match in defence of their title, Yorkshire have now had back-to-back victories. Hampshire were the victims this time, with Richard Dawson taking five wickets as they were bowled out for 161. Yorkshire required 151 to win and did so for the loss of three wickets. Vic Craven scored 72 while Matthew Elliott was 52 not out when the win was completed.

Lancashire were winners as well, skittling out Somerset for just 71 to win by 336 runs. Glen Chapple took six for 30 in Somerset's second innings when only Matthew Wood and Peter Bowler managed double figures.

To complete the results in Division One, Leicestershire beat Sussex by eight wickets. Kevin Innes delayed the inevitable with an undefeated 49 in the Sussex second innings of 142, while Philip DeFreitas took four wickets. That left Leicestershire 111 to win and they only lost two wickets in reaching the target.

Middlesex have the edge in the heavyweight Division Two battle at Worcester. Worcestershire are 251 for five in their second innings after four wickets each for Ashley Noffke and Chad Keegan in the first innings as Middlesex enforced the follow on. Graeme Hick did not add to his overnight 101, but Ben Smith reached a half-century. Both got into the sixties before falling in the second innings, when Worcestershire lead by 39 with five wickets remaining.

Steve James went on to 184 and there was a century for Adrian Dale as Glamorgan reached 495 all out in their first innings. Nicky Boje took six wickets for Nottinghamshire, who trail by 31 runs on first innings.

Northamptonshire wrapped up the Durham second innings for 136 with Carl Greenidge finishing with six wickets, leaving themselves 141 to win. Northamptonshire lost three wickets in reaching their target, but never appeared to be in danger of failing to do so.

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