Champions Durham battle to stay in the hunt to retain their crown

Chasing 171 for their fourth win of the season, the reigning champions started day four on 58-2 needing another 113.

Veteran Australian left-hander Michael Di Venuto passed 50 for their seventh time this season to help his side clinch a six-wicket win, sealed just after lunch.

Di Venuto fell before the break for 63 off 123 balls but Dale Benkenstein finished with a calming, unbeaten 41 off 119 balls. Durham have gone three points clear of Lancashire in the Division One table, both teams having five matches still to play.

Phil Mustard's side are 27 points behind leaders Nottinghamshire and Lancashire 30 points adrift having lost their first match in 21 fixtures.

Durham's next three matches are at home to Yorkshire, starting on Monday, away to Somerset and at home to Notts, all three teams being above them in the standings. Lancashire still have Notts to play twice and also travel to Somerset.

Hampshire's walking wounded held out for a draw at Taunton to frustrate Somerset's hopes of moving to the top. The hosts had to settle for 11 points, having gained a first-innings lead of 128, and are now second, two points behind leaders Notts, who have a game in hand.

Hampshire closed on 224-4 in their second innings, with Neil McKenzie unbeaten on 60. Earlier, Somerset had extended their first innings from an overnight 392-7 to 412 all out, James Tomlinson finishing with 7-85.

The visitors took eight points, but how the game might affect their chances in Friends Provident t20 Finals Day at the Rose Bowl on Saturday remains to be seen.

Certainly out is Michael Lumb, nursing a broken foot sustained while fielding, while captain Dominic Cork and all-rounder Sean Ervine are both under treatment for back problems.

Sussex's former England bowler James Kirtley has announced he will retire at the end of the season. Kirtley, 35, represented his country in all three formats.