It’s all over for Essex as rivals battle for survival
ESSEX’S inevitable relegation to the second tier of county cricket was confirmed yesterday as Hampshire and Kent slogged it out in their battle to beat the drop.
James Tomlinson’s 4-59 helped bowl Kent out for just 182, giving them enough bonus points to relegate the Eagles no matter how they fare against Durham at Chelmsford.
Victory for Hampshire will ensure their survival, leaving Kent to sweat on their final match of the season at Yorkshire next week.
Leaders Nottinghamshire hit back against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge after being bowled out for 59 in the first innings. They reduced the Tykes from 195-4 to 264 before rallying to 357-6 in their second innings – a lead of 152. Mark Wagh top scored with 90.
Another side definitely playing division one cricket next season is Sussex, who secured immediate promotion back to the top-flight after clinching the required seven bonus points against Northamptonshire.
Chris Nash’s 169 helped them to 381 and the three extra batting points needed to edge out Worcestershire.