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LV= County Championship: Essex on top at Chelmsford as Hampshire recover thanks to duo

Jesse Ryder of Essex celebrates taking the wicket of Worcestershire's Moeen Ali during day one of the LV County Championship clash at Chelmsford
Image: Jesse Ryder: Claimed career-best figures on the opening day at Chelmsford

Essex made the perfect start in their bid to overtake Hampshire and clinch promotion from Division Two of the LV= County Championship.

Chasing a fifth successive triumph in four-day action, Essex skittled Worcestershire for just 84 at Chelmsford and then reached 198-3 in reply – meaning they already lead by 114 runs.

New Zealander Jesse Ryder returned career-best figures of 5-24 as the visitors, already assured of playing Division One cricket in 2015, were bowled out in a dramatic opening session on a pitch that was shorn of grass at both ends but rather green in the middle.

Worcestershire were saved from utter humiliation by Joe Leach who played boldly for a quick-fire knock of 39, containing five fours. He was one of only two visiting batsmen to reach double figures.

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The hosts lost two quick wickets themselves when it came to their turn, but opener Nick Browne hit an unbeaten 106 to push his side into a commanding position by stumps. Ravi Bopara made 38 while the in-form James Foster was unbeaten on 36 at the close.

Second-placed Hampshire went into the final round of matches with a 10-point cushion over Essex but looked in danger of being bowled out quickly themselves when they slumped to 53-5 against Glamorgan.

Crucial stand

However, James Vince and Sean Ervine shared in a crucial sixth-wicket partnership worth 225 in 63 overs as both batsmen scored centuries at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff.

Jim Allenby recorded a spell of 4-22 in the morning session but Vince made the most of being dropped on 47 to record his fourth Championship century of what has been a productive season for the talented right-hander.

He was eventually dismissed for 144 and Ervine fell five overs later, the former Zimbabwe international going for 107 after reaching three figures for the second successive match. The visiting county were eventually dismissed for 347, just shy of a fourth batting point, having recovered superbly.

Mitchell Claydon bagged his third five-wicket haul of the season as Kent dismissed Gloucestershire for 179 on the opening day at the Spitfire Ground.

The seamer's haul of 5-61 wrapped up the away team's innings within two sessions, though it could have been even worse after they had at one stage been 62-8. David Payne hit an unbeaten 54 batting at 10 in the order as he and Craig Miles (48) put on a ninth-wicket stand worth 90.

Kent found it tough going themselves with the bat, reaching 83-4 in 32 overs. Darren Stevens was 18 not out at the close having earlier picked up 3-45 with the ball.

Opening batsman Billy Slater struck his maiden first-class century as he made 104 out of Derbyshire’s score of 289 against Leicestershire, who closed the day on 25-2 in reply.

Wes Durston made 52, helping to put on 124 for the fourth wicket in the process, at Derby but India international Cheteshwar Pujara managed just six before being given out handled the ball. 

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