Round-Up: Moody enjoys a late season frolic

TOM MOODY must be wishing the season was only just starting, not coming to a

watery end, writes Richard Wetherell. Play only started after tea and once Worcestershire's inexperienced openers were out, Moody smashed the Durham bowlers to all parts of the Worcester ground.

Out of their 169 for 3 from 32 overs, the Australian all- rounder hit an unbeaten 103 off 106 balls in seven minutes less than two hours. There was the usual large amount of boundaries in his third century of the season - this time three sixes and 12 fours. During his stand of 113 with Gavin Haynes, both players reached 1,000 first-class runs for the season.

The year can probably not end soon enough for the Sussex captain, Alan Wells. To illustrate his miserable season with the bat he compiled his highest score, all of 84, against Yorkshire.

Mark Robinson took three wickets as Sussex struggled to 62 for 4. Wells then put on 69 with Peter Moores and 41 with Ian Salisbury but his side lost their last three wickets in five balls to end on 226.

In reply,Martyn Moxon hit an unbeaten 57 and David Byas was run out off the day's last ball by the substitute fielder, Nicky Phillip, at long- on as Yorkshire finished on 109 for 2.

Allan Lamb is another who has had a disappointing campaign but his second century of the season came in quick time as Northamptonshire reached 348 for 8 against Essex. His 114 came from 152 deliveries and included 13 fours and three sixes.

Kevin Curran provided valuable and equally rapid support for the fifth wicket. His 62 came from 84 balls as the pair shared a stand of 142.

They rescued Northamptonshire after John Childs went into lunch with figures of 3 for 21 having removed Rob Bailey, Russell Warren and Richard Montgomerie.

Mike Kasprowicz on his last appearance for Essex - he is being replaced as their overseas player by Mark Waugh - took both their wickets as well as opener Alan Fordham.

Another captain, Mark Nicholas, was his side's top scorer with 43 as Hampshire struggled to 166 for 5 against Glamorgan.

The West Country saw no play for the second successive day, with Bristol and Taunton being washed out.