England Cricket: County Championship Division One Update

Durham eased its relegation fears as Lancashire and Somerset failed to take advantage in the title race.

Nottinghamshire stayed on top with 154 points, winning five, drawing three, and losing three.

Somerset move into second on 152 points, winning four, drawing six, and losing two after their draw with Hampshire at Taunton.

Hampshire made 284 in its first innings thanks to Michael Carberry's 74, while Charl Willoughby took 4-80.

Somerset edged ahead with 412, James Hildreth hitting 130, as James Tomlinson took 7-85.

In a rain interrupted game, Hampshire reached 224-4 in its second inning before a draw was agreed.

Yorkshire slipped to third on 149 points, winning four, drawing seven, and losing once.

Durham leapfrogged Lancashire on 127 points, winning four, drawing five, and losing two after their six wicket win at Old Trafford.

Lancashire struggled to 181 with Mark Chilton top scoring with 69, as Ian Blackwell took 5-78.

Durham gained a lead thanks to Blackwell's 65 in a total of 237; Gary Keedy's 7-68 restricting the visitors.

The Red Rose County made 226 the second time around, only Shivnarine Chanderpaul (69) and Chilton (50) offering resistance.

Durham reached its target of 173 with six wickets too spare.

Lancashire dropped to fifth after its first defeat of the season on 124 points, winning three, drawing seven, and losing one.

Hampshire has 119 points, winning two, drawing six, and losing four after their draw with Somerset.

Kent is seventh on 119 points, winning two, drawing six, and losing four.

Essex are in the relegation spots on 114 points, winning two, drawing seven, and losing four.

Warwickshire are on the bottom with 101 points, winning three, drawing one, and losing eight.

The next round of fixtures, August 16-19, sees Durham face Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire host Warwickshire.

Somerset play Essex and Kent hosts Lancashire on August 18-21.