James, Elliott set record

A record opening stand of 374 between Steve James and Matthew Elliott ensured Glamorgan took charge on the first day of their Second Division County Championship match against Sussex at Colwyn Bay, making a mockery of Chris Adams' decision to put them in. James finished on 193 not out and Elliott hit 177 before playing on to James Kirtley. By then they had established a county record stand for the first wicket.

A record opening stand of 374 between Steve James and Matthew Elliott ensured Glamorgan took charge on the first day of their Second Division County Championship match against Sussex at Colwyn Bay, making a mockery of Chris Adams' decision to put them in. James finished on 193 not out and Elliott hit 177 before playing on to James Kirtley. By then they had established a county record stand for the first wicket.

James ploughed on mercilessly and Michael Powell (48 not out) joined in the slaughter as Glamorgan closed on 457 for 1.

Elliott's fourth century of the summer took just 124 balls and included 10 fours and five sixes. James was the first to three figures, though, hitting his third hundred of the season six minutes ahead of his partner, but from eight balls more with 17 fours along the way.

Twenty wickets fell on the first day of the First Division relegation battle between Derbyshire and Durham at Derby. Three wickets each for Simon Brown, Melvyn Betts and Steve Harmison rocked Derbyshire and they were all out for 167. Kevin Dean then took 6 for 52 as the Durham reply could muster only 144.