Goodwin and Ambrose dig in to frustrate Kent's attack

Sussex made an admirable attempt at an escapology act in the County Championship First Division at Hove yesterday as Murray Goodwin and Tim Ambrose rattled up an unbeaten century apiece between the showers against Kent to wipe out a 204 first-innings deficit. The pair batted through the day to take their side to 256 for 3.

There was no play before lunch but when the players emerged, Kent were eager to tuck into the Sussex line-up. However, Goodwin, of Zimbabwe, and the young Ambrose held them at bay. Sussex were in such deep water after making only 145 in the first innings to which Kent replied with 349.

Rain also hampered Somerset's attempts to capitalise on their 498 against Yorkshire at Scarborough. The hosts made 258 for 6, with battling fifties from Darren Lehmann, Vic Craven and Michael Lumb assisting the weather in frustrating the visitors.

In the Second Division, Worcestershire made 373 against Essex – a first innings lead of 176. The leaders are struggling, losing five wickets before reaching 100 in reply.

Durham recorded their first win this season with an 89-run victory over Derbyshire. The off-spinner Nicky Phillips took 3 for 0 and Steve Harmison added three wickets as Durham bowled the visitors out for 209 as they chased 299 to win.

Jason Gallian made an unbeaten 55 as Nottinghamshire coasted to a seven-wicket win over Glamorgan at Trent Bridge. Paul Franks' nine-wicket match haul ripped the heart out of the visitors' batting.