Balderson skittles Essex

LANCASHIRE bowled ESSEX out for 59 to seal a remarkable 38-run victory inside two days at Chelmsford. George Balderson took a hat-trick and his first career five-for as Essex lost their last nine wickets for 35 runs in pursuit of 98. In total, the four innings in the match produced just 370 runs from 750 balls — the shortest first-class match since 2006.

In the title race, SURREY could be crowned champions with a round to spare after second-placed HAMPSHIRE closed the day on 105 for four, chasing 378 to beat KENT.

Surrey enforced the follow-on at home to YORKSHIRE, with the visitors still trailing by 65 runs with eight wickets left at stumps. Elsewhere, GLAMORGAN batsman David Lloyd hit an unbeaten 313 in their Division Two clash with DERBYSHIRE at Cardiff.