Gallian gains pole position

Glamorgan 151 & 307 Notts 283 & 179-2 Notts win by eight wickets

Jason Gallian and Russell Warren helped to chased down a tricky target of 176 with the sort of consummate ease which will be noted by their rivals for the title.

The only blemish through the four days in Cardiff was that Gallian's team saw three batting points go begging. But the fact they have a game in hand over second-placed Hampshire - against relegated Gloucestershire at Trent Bridge starting on Monday - means Nottinghamshire are now firm favourites to raise their first county pennant for 18 years.

At the start of the fourth day a win had not been a foregone conclusion, however. A rearguard action led by Alex Wharf, against his former county, had already realised a useful lead of 158 at the beginning of the final day. Wharf, having reached his second Championship century on Thursday evening, added another 17 runs with last man Huw Waters before he was caught at slip off Andrew Harris as Glamorgan finished on 307 all out

Yet Nottinghamshire were helped in their pursuit of victory by the home side's new-ball bowlers, David Harrison and Wharf, who allowed the openers, Gallian and Darren Bicknell, to plunder 43 from the opening six overs.

Bicknell, who made 123 in the first innings, fell with the score on 51, edging a bat and pad catch to forward short leg from Dean Cosker. But the setback proved only a blip to the visitors as Gallian and Warren were cautious but productive in a second-wicket stand worth 96 in 31 overs.

Gallian got 70 before falling victim to Robert Croft, leaving the way clear for Warren, with his first half-century of the summer, to take Nottinghamshire home with 33.5 overs of the contest remaining.