Compton and Hildreth take Somerset into T20 quarter-finals

Somerset swept into the Friends Life T20 quarter-finals with a comfortable seven-wicket win against Worcestershire at New Road yesterday. The Royals were kept to 119 for 7 despite an unbeaten 45 by Phil Hughes; Somerset powered home thanks to a stand of 59 Nick Compton and James Hildreth. Hildreth made 35 not out and Compton 42 not out.

Worcestershire had started the day at the top of the Midlands/Wales/West group and they had to wait on other matches. In the event Warwickshire went out after a 22-run defeat under the Duckworth-Lewis method to Glamorgan at Edgbaston, as their run rate was inferior to Worcestershire's, and Gloucestershire booked a place in the last eight with an eight-wicket win over Northamptonshire.

Yorkshire beat Derbyshire by 21 runs at Headingley to top the North Group and earn a home tie. Put in, Yorkshire were given the ideal start with an opening stand of 131 by Adam Lyth and Phil Jaques, a county record, although the visitors restricted them to 180 for 5. Lyth made 78 and Jaques 64. Derbyshire reached 159 for 9.

A half-century from Michael Lumb helped Nottinghamshire romp to a 69-run victory over Leicestershire and a home quarter-final. Durham and Lancashire tied. Both had faint hopes of a quarter-final, but results elsewhere made that impossible. Lancashire's 133 for 8 was led by Tom Smith's 29. Phil Mustard made 33 in reply but, needing one to win off the last ball, Gareth Breese was run out to leave the home team on 133 for 7.

Hampshire's match with Essex was washed out without a ball being bowled. Umpires made three inspections before calling off the match. With both sides awarded one point that was enough to take Hampshire through. Surrey beat Sussex by seven wickets at Hove in another Duckworth Lewis-decided match. Sussex, however, were already through. Kent beat Middlesex by three wickets but neither side had any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

In the last eight, Nottinghamshire will be at home to Hampshire; Somerset will host Essex; Yorkshire will be at home to Worcestershire and Sussex entertain Gloucestershire.