Hard-working Yardy reaps his reward as Surrey attack falters

The county championship got under way yesterday with the usual early-season mix of unpredictable performances, rain and few spectators.

The county championship got under way yesterday with the usual early-season mix of unpredictable performances, rain and few spectators.

Glamorgan were bowled out on the first day of their First Division match, while the game between Sussex and Surrey ­ two of the favourites for the title ­ was halted early because of the weather.

Warwickshire, seeking to become the first team since Surrey in 2000 to retain the title, bowled out Glamorgan for 198 at Edgbaston before reaching 68 for no wicket. England spinner Ashley Giles took six for, his third best performance in 11 years of county cricket.

At The Oval, Sussex reached 171 for four, Mike Yardy hitting 44 not out, while former England bowler James Ormond took two wickets for Surrey.

In the Second Division, Durham made 325 for three against Leicestershire. Australia's Mike Hussey is 165 not out.

Will Jefferson was the day's other century-maker, with 149 in Essex's match against Yorkshire at Chelmsford. Essex surged to 224 for two at the close.

Somerset elected to field first at Old Trafford and restricted Lancashire to 235 for seven in front of rows of empty seats at the 19,500-seat Test arena.

Andy Caddick, starting his 14th first-class season, and Ian Blackwell each took two wickets, while Mal Loye hit 53 for Lancashire.

The former England batsman Graeme Hick hit 80 before falling leg before as Worcestershire reached 305 for six against Derbyshire.