Essex Claim Comprehensive Victory over Lancashire in Vitality County Championship
Essex secured their second win of the Vitality County Championship season with a convincing victory by an innings and 124 runs over Lancashire, wrapping up the match inside three days.
The visitors crumbled in less than 42 overs in the second innings, with Jamie Porter and Shane Snater leading the charge for Essex. Porter finished with 3-24, while Snater picked up 3-17 as Lancashire were dismissed for a meager total, unable to make the hosts bat again.
Lancashire had started the day’s play on 10-1, needing 221 more runs to avoid an innings defeat, but lost five wickets in the opening hour and were unable to recover, with the game concluded before the scheduled lunch interval.
Durham Earn First Win of the Season against Worcestershire
Durham secured their maiden victory of the campaign, defeating Worcestershire by a resounding 185 runs on day three. The contest was essentially over when Paul Coughlin claimed three quick wickets to dent Worcestershire’s chances of chasing down a daunting target of 458.
England seamer Matthew Potts also contributed with a couple of scalps, as Worcestershire were bowled out for just 121 in 28 overs. Despite some late resistance from Nathan Smith and Matthew Waite, it was not enough to prevent Worcestershire from succumbing to defeat.
Middleton Shines, but Hampshire and Warwickshire Head for a Draw
Fletcha Middleton scored his maiden County Championship century, but the match between Hampshire and Warwickshire is likely to end in a draw. Middleton’s 116, combined with a century from Nick Gubbins, put Hampshire in a strong position, but a mid-afternoon collapse saw them lose five wickets for just 45 runs, handing Warwickshire a first-innings lead of 90.
Warwickshire’s openers, Rob Yates and Alex Davies, had reached 46 without loss by the close of play, extending their lead to 136 runs, setting the stage for a potential draw on the final day.
🔗 Source
