Somerset require a further 311 runs in Monday's final day at Taunton to strengthen their position as leaders of LV County Championship Division One.

Having bowled out Yorkshire for 208 in their second innings - Andrew Gale (58) and Rich Pyrah (51) the top scorers - openers Marcus Trescothick and Neil Edwards reduced their 323-run target by 12 before stumps.

Their task would have been slightly harder had it not been for a last-wicket stand of 38 between Craig Kieswetter (67 not out) and Charl Willoughby (18) in the hosts' first innings earlier in the day.

Durham are closing in on victory over bottom side Hampshire and require 109 more runs with four wickets remaining, but their hopes rest on South African Dale Benkenstein, who will resume tomorrow 46 not out.

Steve Harmison's six for 122 left the hosts 294 to win but Hampshire put up a fight with only Neil McKenzie (48) and Will Smith (33) making significant contributions around Benkenstein.

Lancashire lead second-placed Nottinghamshire by 226 runs with six second-innings wickets remaining.

Paul Horton (60) top scored as the hosts reached 146 for four at stumps, after Mark Wagh (94), Adam Voges (55) and Paul Franks (40) had got Notts within 80 runs on first innings.

Justin Kemp hit 108 and James Tredwell 68 as Kent declared their first innings on 350 for eight against Sussex in their rain-affected match at Canterbury.

Chris Nash (25) was the only man to fall before the close as the visitors moved to 57.

Derbyshire lifted themselves away from the foot of Division Two with an innings-and-95-run victory over Worcestershire at Chesterfield.

The visitors resumed their second innings still 187 behind with nine wickets remaining but collapsed after some more inspired bowling from Graham Wagg.

Having taken four for 66 in the first innings, he bettered that with four for 53 while former England all-rounder Rikki Clarke claimed three for six in six overs as Worcestershire were dismissed for only 110.

Glamorgan are staring at defeat as they lead Warwickshire by only 48 with six wickets in hand after they were made to follow on having been bowled out for 248 as James Anyon claimed six for 82.

Their second attempt was better, with David Hemp (56) and Jamie Dalrymple (52 not out) helping them to 221 for four.

Gloucestershire will need quick runs tomorrow if they are to have a go at Northamptonshire after closing the third day 261 ahead with six second-innings wickets in hand.

The hosts were dismissed for 329 - 146 behind - after opener Stephen Peters (122) completed his century but Hamish Marshall (43no) and Chris Taylor (33) extended Gloucestershire's advantage before the close.

Essex gave themselves some hope of avoiding an innings defeat with a fightback against Middlesex at Lord's.

The hosts posted 583 all out - Eoin Morgan making 96, Ben Scott 60 and Gareth Berg 35 - to put them 422 in front

Essex slipped to 60 for three before Mark Pettini (63no) and Ravi Bopara (54) put up some resistance, although at 200 for four, the visitors are still 222 behind.

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