Cricket: County Championship Division One, Round 14

Nottinghamshire got one hand on the County Championship trophy thanks to a sporting declaration from Lancashire as rain played havoc with all the matches in this round.

Nottinghamshire have 196 points, winning seven, drawing three, and losing three after their three-wicket win at home to Lancashire.

Lancashire collapsed from 280-2 to 319 as Shivnarine Chanderpaul top-scored with 92 while Andre Adams took 6-79.

Nottinghamshire declared on 203-5, Alex Hales hitting 98 as the third day was lost to rain.

Lancashire raced to 143-1 in 24 overs before declaring in a pre-conceived deal between both captains, while Adams and Ryan Sidebottom didn't bowl.

Chasing 260 in 64 overs, the home side reached their target for the loss of seven wickets, ending Lancashire's title ambitions, as Hales again top-scored with 93.

Somerset have 180 points, winning five, drawing seven, and losing two after drawing with Durham.

Marcus Trescothick's 128 helped Somerset to 400-6 as day two and three were lost to rain.

Durham made 37-0 in 15 overs before a draw was agreed.

Yorkshire are third on 177 points, winning five, drawing eight, and losing one after drawing with Hampshire at Scarborough.

The White Rose County made 322-9 as Adil Rashid hit 76, while Dominic Cork took 5-64.

A partnership of 278 between Jimmy Adams (196) and James Vince (180) propelled the away side to 498-6.

Yorkshire reached 225-4 in their second innings before a draw was agreed.

Lancashire have 149 points, winning four, drawing seven, and losing two after their defeat to Nottinghamshire.

Durham are on 136 points, winning four, drawing six, and losing three after their draw against Somerset.

Hampshire have 131 points, winning two, drawing seven, and losing four after drawing with Yorkshire.

Kent are on 123 points, winning two, drawing six, and losing five.

Warwickshire also have 123 points but have played a game more, winning four, drawing one, and losing nine after a seven-wicket win over Essex.

Ravi Bopara (53 not out) provided the only resistance as Essex slumped to 114, Boyd Rankin taking 5-16.

The home side posted 155 to gain a slim lead, David Masters taking 3-39.

Essex improved the second time around with 193, as Rikki Clarke took 3-20.

Warwickshire reached their target, Darren Maddy's 50 not out seeing them home by seven wickets despite day two being completely lost to rain.

Essex are on the bottom with only one game left to escape relegation on 118 points, winning two, drawing seven, and losing six after they lost to Warwickshire.

The next round of fixtures, August 31-September 3, sees Durham host Nottinghamshire, Lancashire face Hampshire and Warwickshire play Kent.