Around the Grounds: Plays of the Day

Division One:

Chasing 328 runs in not many overs, Essex nearly contrived to lose against Hampshire, ending the day on 99-6, Ravi Bopara with 61 of those. He's coming nicely into form in time for Surrey's T20 game with Essex this week!

Samit Patel, after bowling an impressive 37 overs, taking only one wicket in the process, then came out to bat out 186 balls for 76*.  Not bad for a fat lad!

Division Two:

Ben Howgego, who I could've sworn played for Middlesex (turns out that's Dan Housego - you can see why I was confused), instead helped condemn them to a 9 wicket defeat, chasing 53 in just 7 overs largely in fact thanks to his batting partner Rob White.  Andrew Hall had done the damage earlier, following up his first innings hundred with 4-44.  Man of the Match I'd say!

Despite having taken a lead of nearly 100 into the second innings, Sussex look like continuing their poor form (and after such a flying start too).  They've stumbled to 71-7, with a lead of just 163, Derbyshire have a whole day tomorrow (weather permitting) to force a victory.  Robin Peterson continued his impressive season with 4-10, to take him to 36 wickets for the season at an impressive 25 runs each.