Bevan's patience pays

Michael Bevan was in the runs as Leicestershire made a solid start in their Frizzell County Championship First Division game against Warwickshire at Grace Road yesterday.

The New South Wales batsman shared in a patient third-wicket stand of 127 with Iain Sutcliffe, scoring an unbeaten 99 as his side closed on 292 for 4.

The champions, Yorkshire, initially fought back well after Andy Caddick's five wickets had helped Somerset to bowl them out for 213 at Taunton, Michael Lumb top-scoring with 66. Matthew Hoggard and Chris Silverwood ripped into the home side to reduce them to 75 for 6, but Ian Blackwell's unbeaten 104 brought the hosts back within 27 runs at 186 for 6.

At the Rose Bowl, Robin Smith carved out 104 before becoming one of Martin Saggers' four victims. Shaun Udal's 88 was the only other significant contribution as Hampshire reached stumps at 303 for 9.

Michael di Venuto hit a brilliant 230 as Derbyshire continued their fine start to the season in the Second Division. Andrew Gait and Dominic Cork both hit half-centuries as Derbyshire closed on 487 for 7.

There were also fifties for Michael Powell, Jonathan Hughes and Robert Croft as Glamorgan were bowled out for 286 by Worcestershire at New Road. The Australian Andy Bichel took 4 for 39 and Kabir Ali 5 for 80. Worcestershire made 29 without loss before the close.