Leaders frustrated by weather

Round-up

While Kent were allowed the dignity of being able to rest after their Benson and Hedges defeat instead of being forced reluctantly on to the field Glamorgan, the Sunday League leaders, were frustrated at Taunton - not by Somerset - but by a downpour three overs into their innings as they chased 197. Still, the visitors left looking on the bright side.

With two defeats, both off the last ball, against Yorkshire and Durham, and now a no-result worth two points, the Glamorgan scorer, Byron Denning, said: "It could be a good omen for us because when we won the title in 1993 that was our record at the conclusion of the programme."

Yesterday, meanwhile, Steve Watkin removed Mark Lathwell leg before with the first delivery of the afternoon to return 4 for 42. Some wayward bowling in helpful conditions then allowed Somerset to recover, Peter Bowler top- scoring with 65. Brilliant fielding, though, kept the scoring in check, Tony Cottey leading the way with a stunning two-handed catch at midwicket to get rid of Graham Rose.

Kent will draw level if they beat Northamptonshire, somewhat incongrously given the competition, on Tuesday.

With third-place Worcestershire and Lancashire (fourth) also having a rare Sunday off, Essex and Warwickshire took advantage to move up the table, and both had the weather, partially, to thank.

Essex join Kent and Worcestershire on 26 points with their defeat of Leicestershire on a faster scoring rate. Chasing 212, Leicestershire's reply was halted after 35.4 overs, just three runs short of what would have been a win.

Warwickshire beat Middlesex at Edgbaston, also on a faster scoring rate, after the visitor's innings was interrupted after 24.3 overs on 100 for 4. Set a seemingly comfortable 82 off 20 it did indeed prove no problem, victory coming with two wickets down and 23 balls to spare.

Graham Thorpe smashed 112 and put on 203 with Darren Bicknell (102) in Surrey's 19-run win over Gloucestershire.