Trott guides Warwickshire

Kent struggled in reply to Hampshire's useful first-innings total but without some negotiation between captains this match is heading for a draw. Nic Pothas boosted Hampshire beyond 250 before falling four short of a deserved century and Kent lost wickets early in their reply. David Fulton fell second ball and seamers shared the first five wickets. Shane Warne removed Justin Kemp but Andrew Hall and Niall O'Brien staged a recovery with a stand 64. Warne claimed his second shortly before the close and with him involved don't discount an interesting final day.

Warwickshire progressed towards avoiding the follow-on against Middlesex at Lord's through a fine century from Jonathan Trott, his third of the season. He added 181 with Alex Loudon but, when three wickets fell for 49, Warwickshire were not out of danger. However, Dougie Brown and Daniel Vettori came together in a robust stand and their team ended just nine short of the follow-on target. Chris Silverwood picked up two scalps in the day, but generally it was hardwork for the bowlers.

Only an hours play was possible at Old Trafford, but it was long enough for Brad Hodge to reach his first Championship century of the season. But Lancashire are likely to be denied the chance to close the gap on Sussex at the top of the table with just a day remaining. Nottinghamshire's attack picked up two more wickets with Mark Ealham taking his fourth of the innings.

Worcestershire survived a huge scare to stave off defeat, in a thrilling draw on the final day against Glamorgan at New Road. An aggressive 71 from Mark Cosgrove, with equally bullish contributions from Nicky Peng (49) and Mark Wallace (31*) led Glamorgan to declare on 281 for 5, thus setting Worcestershire 269 to win. And they started their reply disastrously, stumbling to 30 for 4. But Stephen Moore remained firm throughout, despite the clatter of wickets at the other end, to deny Glamorgan victory.

Mark Hardinges' feisty 93-ball unbeaten 107 gave Gloucestershire a great opportunity to beat Essex before the game petered out into a draw. Essex were set 332 to win, and Varun Chopra - who earlier caught Ian Harvey brilliantly at slip - impressed again with fifty as Essex reached 102 for 2 in 24 overs.

Arul Suppiah struck a fine 99 to give Somerset a handy 60-run first-innings lead on the third day against Leicestershire. Suppiah received good support from Ian Blackwell (49) and Richard Johnson (40). In Leicestershire's reply, they stumbled to 145 for 4 with HD Ackerman making 64 but lead by 85 runs going into the final day.