Ward century bolsters new county champions

Graham Thorpe missed a big score in his first appearance in first-class cricket for more than six weeks, but otherwise new county champions Surrey looked worthy of the accolade at The Rose Bowl. Ian Ward hit a century against relegated Hampshire in Surrey's first match since they clinched the title at the weekend. Ward (112) shared a second-wicket partnership of 197 with Nadeem Shahid (82). Thorpe made 19 before he was bowled by Shaun Udal, who added two more wickets as the middle order showed uncharacteristic frailty. Ali Brown (49*) steadied the ship, helming his side to the calmer waters of 348 for seven at stumps.

Robert Key didn't let his England omission get him down, opening up with 75 against Lancashire at Canterbury. Key shared an opening stand of 148 with his captain, David Fulton, who was still there on 137 as the hosts closed on an imposing 286 for two. After Glen Chapple bowled Key, Ed Smith (68) added another 138 with Fulton before being stumped off Gary Keedy.

In Division Two, Kevin Dean did Derbyshire's outside chances of promotion no harm, with four wickets to peg back leaders Middlesex's push for the title. Sven Koenig (72) and Paul Weekes (88) were the visitors' weightiest contributors at Derby, but no one else got beyond 33 as Middlesex finished on 291 for eight.

Mark Waugh provided plenty of entertainment at Chester-le-Street, but unfortunately at the expense of the hosts. The Australian Test veteran made 117, adding 218 with Aftab Habib (123) after Essex, hot on Middlesex's heels at the head of the table, were teetering after losing their first three wickets at 83. It was pretty much one-way traffic after that, with Essex on 368 for five at stumps.

Robert White didn't mess about on his way to his maiden first-class century. He got it before lunch and finished with a magnificent 277 (325 balls) as Northants racked up a daunting 417 for four against Gloucestershire at Northampton. It may be a meaningless match, but it wasn't short of entertainment as White and Mark Powell (107) put on 375 before the visitors took a wicket. When they finally did there was almost a clatter, but the damage had already been done.

Nottinghamshire compiled a respectable 344 for seven against promotion rivals Worcestershire at Trent Bridge. It was built around 112 from Darren Bicknell, whose innings included 20 boundaries. Bicknell added 102 with Jason Gallian (62) and Chris Read, picked for the England academy this winter, made 50. There were three wickets for another academy selection, off-spinner Gareth Batty.