Hamilton leaves Sussex reeling

Gavin Hamilton, the Yorkshire all-rounder, produced the goods with bat and ball as his side stretched their lead in the National League First Division with a 49-run victory over Sussex at Scarborough yesterday. Hamilton made an unbeaten 57 from 58 balls including two sixes and six fours in the home side's total of 192 for 8.

Gavin Hamilton, the Yorkshire all-rounder, produced the goods with bat and ball as his side stretched their lead in the National League First Division with a 49-run victory over Sussex at Scarborough yesterday. Hamilton made an unbeaten 57 from 58 balls including two sixes and six fours in the home side's total of 192 for 8.

After Michael Bevan and Chris Adams had forged a century stand for Sussex's third wicket, Hamilton then wrecked the innings with a spell in which he took 5 for 13 to finish with figures of 5 for 34.

Hamilton's first delivery of his second spell ended a classy innings of 67 by the Australian, Bevan, from only 69 balls. His stand with Adams was worth 113 runs to put Sussex on course, but within a few minutes the innings folded for 143.

For Yorkshire Darren Lehmann, their Australian batsman, made a priceless contribution in rescuing his side from a dreadful start in which they lost both openers in the first two overs as he made 80 from 99 balls.

After his departure Hamilton increased the pressure on Sussex, and both he and James Middlebrook hit James Kirtley for six in the last over.

At Northampton, a close-fought game ended with a five-run victory for the hosts, despite Rahul Dravid's 68 giving Kent hope until the last ball. Matthew Hayden had set up the win for Northamptonshire with 47 in their 195 for 9.

There was a close finish too at New Road, after Worcestershire made 118 for 8 with Ryan Driver hitting 52. Lancashire struggled before Chris Schofield's rapid 34 put the visitors in with a chance, and a four off the last ball by Ian Austin secured a two-wicket victory.

In the Second Division, Darren Bicknell made 115 against Surrey to help Nottinghamshire to 288 and a 63-run victory at Trent Bridge.

Glamorgan's Steve James made an unbeaten 88 in a thriller against Essex at Southend. Essex posted 289, Stephen Peters making 73 not out - and although James pushed the Glamorgan all the way Ashley Cowan took three wickets in four balls of the last over to secure a four-run win for the home side.

In the County Championship, Durham's hopes of escaping relegation from the First Division were dented against Hampshire. Will Kendall struck 119 after the captains had agreed to contrive a result at the Riverside.

Hampshire were set a target of 291 but cruised home to win by six wickets.