C&G action

Yes most of these games are pointless now that Sussex have qualified from the South Conference and Durham and Lancashire are the only teams contesting the North Conference, but there is nothing like playing only for pride to bring out the best in cricketers. Certainly the incentive of ending their losing streak was enough for Northamptonshire to maintain their focus as they denied Derbyshire by one run. Steve Stubbings had hit 110 to take Derbyshire to the cusp of victory but when he was run out in the last over, Northants held on to win.

James Benning's 189 not out was also in vain as Surrey came within two runs of overhauling Gloucestershire's 339 for eight, which was boosted by Ian Harvey's 108 and a 26-ball innings of 63 by David Brown.

Durham did not have the hardest task in keeping alive their hopes of winning the North. They bowled Scotland out for 161 and then won a rain-reduced chase to 99 with seven balls remaining. They must now beat Derbyshire in their final game and hope Lancashire don't beat Warwickshire.

Warwickshire are still reeling from a heavy defeat to Nottinghamshire, however. They were bowled out for 186 and then Anurag Singh made 78 not out to secure the win.

Mark Pettini made 80 and James Foster 49 not out as Essex overhauled Kent's 281 with almost four overs to spare. Middlesex won a close game against Somerset by three runs, with Eoin Morgan's unbeaten 50 and Chris Peploe's four wickets proving crucial.