Cricket: Penberthy helps steal unlikely win

TONY PENBERTHY had a good day yesterday. His career-best unbeaten 88 rescued Northamptonshire from the depths of 152 for 7 to overcome Somerset's target of 301, and he was then awarded his county cap.

He did not do it single-handed: Curtly Ambrose hit 78, also his highest score, as their eighth-wicket stand of 145 stole the match.

Yorkshire's lowly position has been attributed to failing to bowl teams out twice. Strange then the lowest Championship scores of the season have both been against them. Following Worcestershire's 73 on Monday, it was Derbyshire who capitulated for the same score.

Set 258, Darren Gough and Mark Robinson reduced Derbyshire to 17 for 6. Phil DeFreitas hit 25 but the end was soon nigh with both bowlers taking four wickets.

Essex had their England A tourists to thank for their win over Sussex. Peter Such quickly wrapped up the Sussex innings and Nick Knight followed up his 157 with 36 not out.