McGrath strikes Lightning

Glenn McGrath grabbed three wickets to help the Royals to victory

National League Division One

Worcestershire 216-7, Lancashire 204

Glenn McGrath inspired Worcestershire Royals to a crucial 12-run victory over Lancashire Lightning.

The Australian pace bowler claimed three for 11 from 8.4 overs as Worcestershire dismissed Lancashire to win their fourth successive match.

Neil Fairbrother and Andy Flintoff gave Lancashire every chance as they chased a tough target of 217 but McGrath came back to wreck their hopes.

The Royals' 216 for seven owed much to Vikram Solanki's unbeaten 59 off 56 balls.

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Kent 179-9, Somerset 180-1

Marcus Trescothick smashed a brilliant 92 not out to keep Somerset flying high at the top of the First Division.

The powerful left-hander shared a superb opening stand of 145 with skipper Jamie Cox as the Sabres made light of their 180 victory target.

They raced home with 9.5 overs and nine wickets to spare to make it maximum points from their first four matches.

Kent had been relieved to reach 179 for nine in their 45 overs after being 112 for eight, captain Mathew Fleming top-scoring with 63.

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Sussex 219, Leicestershire 208

Chris Adams struck a season's best 52 as Sussex Sharks gained their first win with an 11-run success over the previously unbeaten Leicestershire.

The visitors, chasing a target of 220, faded after an encouraging start to be dismissed for 208 with just two deliveries remaining.

Leicestershire's defeat was hard on skipper Vince Wells, who hammered 81 off 110 balls including two sixes.

Home captain Adams had batted well as Sussex made 219 from 45 overs.

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National League Division Two

Derbyshire 197-9, Surrey 198-7

Graham Thorpe showed he his back in business by guiding Surrey to a three-wicket success over Derby.

The left-hander's unbeaten 45 was invaluable as Surrey strengthened their position near the top of Division Two.

Surrey's target of 198 should have been more demanding but Derby fell away badly after being well placed at 135 for two.

In reply, Mark Butcher and Ian Ward put on 49 for the first wicket and although Derbyshire fought back, Thorpe kept his cool to see Surrey home.

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Hampshire 135, Nottinghamshire 136-2

Andrew Harris took five for 35 as Hampshire crashed to a fifth straight defeat.

The Hawks were bowled out with an over to spare as they could only score 135, and the home side cruised to victory by eight wickets with 50 balls to spare.

Notts made 14 off their first over which included two boundaries, a no ball and three wides by Alan Mulllally.

Darren Bicknell and John Morris put on 71 for the second wicket to put Notts within sight of a win, and Afzaal helped Bicknell finish it off.

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Tour Match

New Zealand A 249-6, British Universities 164