Siddle signs off in style as Essex win with a day left

An inspired opening spell from Peter Siddle and the spin of Simon Harmer enabled champions Essex to beat Worcestershire by 32 runs at Blackfinch New Road.

Australian paceman Siddle signed off his short spell in the County Championship in style, as he sent back Brett D’oliveira, Tom Fell and first-innings centurion Joe Clarke and finished with five for 37.

Harmer, who picked up 72 wickets last season, worked his way through the middle and lower order as Worcestershire, chasing 215, were bowled out for 182 and suffered a fourth defeat in five matches.

Warwickshire recorded their third successive Division Two win by beating Northamptonshire by six wickets at Edgbaston.

Facing a victory target of 179, the home side were reduced to 44 for three by an pre-lunch burst of three for nine by Ben Sanderson.

But opener Will Rhodes stayed firm to lodge his maiden first-class century against an injury-hit Northamptonshire attack. Rhodes ended with an unbeaten 100, to see his team over the line on day three.

Matt Henry starred with both bat and ball as Kent beat Sussex by 58 runs at Canterbury with a day to spare. The 26-year-old top-scored with 55 in Kent’s second innings and then claimed six for 53, helping to dismiss Sussex for 211 and clinch a third successive Division Two win.