Lawrence’s timely century keeps Essex in contention

Dan Lawrence notched his first Specsavers County Championship century of the season to boost Essex’s title hopes.

His 147, including one six and 20 fours, and Ryan ten Doeschate’s unbeaten 78 took Essex to 302 for six, a lead of 128 against Surrey. The last of Lawrence’s previous eight first-class centuries had come just over a year ago. Surrey had earlier lost their remaining six wickets for just 37 runs as they were bowled out for 174 with Jamie Porter and Sam Cook finishing with five wickets each.

Kent will resume on two without loss in their second innings and with a lead of 215 over Yorkshire at Headingley. Having declared at 482 for eight, Kent restricted the home side to 269, Matt Milnes taking five for 87.

Dominic Sibley’s unbeaten 115 kept Warwickshire (264 for two) in touch as they attempted to chase down Nottinghamshire’s firstinnings total of 498.

In Division Two, John Simpson blasted 167 not out as Middlesex made Lancashire suffer. Having slumped to 39 for six overnight, Simpson helped his side make 337 – a lead of 78. Lancashire were 14 for one in their second innings, Alex Davies out for a duck.

Half centuries from Richard Levi and Adam Rossington helped

Northamptonshire establish a lead of 321 over Durham with four second-innings wickets remaining. Earlier, Ben Sanderson claimed six wickets for 54 runs as the visitors folded for just 131.

Gloucester face a tense battle for victory over Worcestershire after wickets tumbled on day two. The visitors will resume on 54 for four needing 61 to win after securing a first-innings lead of 14 before dismissing the home side for just 128 in their second innings.

Openers Luis Reece and Billy Godleman put on 274 for the first wicket as Derbyshire staged a second-innings fightback at home to Sussex. After seeing their side concede a 93-run first innings lead, Reece was run out for a career-best 184 while captain Godleman remained unbeaten on 106 with the total standing at 360 for two at the close of play on day two.

Wicketkeeper Chris Cooke hit 96 to help Glamorgan to 435 all out in their first innings against

Leicestershire, who were reduced to 191 for nine in response.