County Championship round-up

Durham keep pressure on leaders

Cricinfo staff

August 3, 2007

Division One

Durham kept up the pressure on the top of the table sides with a nine-wicket win against Warwickshire at The Riverside. They produced an outstanding final-day effort, taking nine wickets before knocking off 192 with more than five overs to spare. Michael Di Venuto and Phil Mustard (76 off 58) did most of the work, adding 157 at one-day pace, and Di Venuto ended unbeaten on 91. Warwickshire had been well placed to salvage a draw when play started on 256 for 1, but Paul Wiseman removed Ian Westwood (116) early and the bowlers continued to chip away. Durham were put firmly in control when five wickets fell for 13 runs to Wiseman and Ottis Gibson, before a last-wicket stand of 71 between James Anyon and Lee Daggett gave Warwickshire some hope. Durham, though, had few problems racing to victory and claiming 21 vital points.

Division Two

Simon Katich's declaration almost paid dividends against Gloucestershire at Bristol as the Derbyshire bowlers had them five down and battling to save the game. However, Grant Hodnett and Stephen Adshead added 65 to steer the home side to safety. Derbyshire were set up by a stand of 265 between Travis Birt (162) and Katich (124 not out). Birt's highest score of the season included 14 fours and two sixes while Katich also struck his second ton of the campaign. Wayne White then took two wickets in two balls - including Hamish Marshall - while the Derbyshire spinners caused problems. For a moment Katich sensed victory, but time ran out. However, it wasn't the sort of day Gloucestershire wanted as they now head straight to Edgbaston for Saturday's Twenty20 finals.

© Cricinfo