County round-up: Derbyshire skittled as Langer's strategy pays winning dividend

Derbyshire recorded the season's worst score as a spectacular morning collapse saw them fall foul of their decision to push for a result at home to Liverpool Victoria County Championship Division Two leaders Somerset.

After both sides under Australian skippers, Simon Katich and Justin Langer, agreed to curtail an innings in an attempt to contrive a win, the visitors' bowlers ripped through their opponents for just 52.

Only Ant Botha (21) reached double figures as Somerset won by 278 runs to strengthen their position at the top of the table.

Derbyshire had begun the day two without loss but Charl Willoughby (four for 12) and Ian Blackwell (three for eight) wreaked havoc on a worn surface.

In Division One, leaders Yorkshire were left the happier of the title contenders after ensuring maximum batting bonus points on the final day of their drawn match with Kent at Scarborough.

That was thanks in no small part to Younus Khan's sparkling 217 not out in a total of 550 for 9 declared.

Hampshire declared on 250 for 9 at the Rose Bowl in a last-ditch effort to beat second-placed Sussex, John Crawley making 113.

But Murray Goodwin, who finished unbeaten on 68, and captain Chris Adams ensured a draw for Sussex after they had been 21 for 3 in their second innings.

Kieran Daley

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