The format of the Bob Willis Trophy has compressed county cricket. Every twist and turn appears to impact on matches and group standings. The weather, whether fine or not, can change the fortunes of any counties in this sprint competition.
During the fourth round of matches, the rain had its say. The intervention of foul weather at this stage probably gives an advantage to those counties who have been quick out of the blocks.
North Group
Durham (12 ) vs. Derbyshire (14)
Derbyshire are one of the quick starting counties, leading the North Group. They left a soggy Emirates Riverside still at the head of affairs after a draw vs. Durham. After two days of batting between the rain breaks, Durham made 337-9 dec, Matt Critchley taking 4-53.
In reply Derbyshire made 355-4 before the rain intervened for the final time, Matt Critchley was left stranded on 46no (5 fours). Crucially, the Derbyshire batters claimed 4 batting points.
Yorkshire (11) vs. Lancashire (11)
This was yet another rain-affected match. Yorkshire batted first making 260 all out, George Hill scoring 29 (6 fours). For Lancashire, George Balderson took 1-30 off 15 overs.
Between the coming and goings for rain, Lancashire made 195-5 in reply, with George Hill taking 1-27 off 12 overs.
This drawn match resulted in Yorkshire staying second in the North Group, trailing Derbyshire by 5 points.
Leicestershire ( 11 ) vs. Nottinghamshire (14)
Yet another drawn match and rain was again a factor. Batting first Leicestershire made 222 all out. In reply Notts. made 343-8 dec, Joe Clarke was out caught for 2.
Second time around Leicestershire had made 237-4 when the match came to its rain enforced end.
South Group
Middlesex (20) vs. Sussex (5)
Middlesex beat Sussex at Radlett by 5 wickets. Sussex won the toss and decided to bat, making 293 in their first innings. Middlesex then made 203, Nick Gubbins scoring 26 (4 fours).
Sussex failed to press home any advantage when they managed just 102 in their second innings. Middlesex claimed victory after reaching 193-5.
Surrey (5) vs. Kent (22)
Surrey continue to prop-up the South Group, Kent winning the match at the Kia Oval by 17 runs. Surrey have now lost four group games in a row
After Kent made 342, Surrey replied with 278 with opener Scott Borthwick scoring 26 (5 fours). Kent were dismissed for 127 in their second innings, Surrey required 192 to gain their first elusive victory in the Bob Willis Trophy.
In an exciting finish to the game, Kent scrapped home dismissing Surrey for 174.
Hampshire (9) vs. Essex (9)
Only 78 overs were squeezed out between the rain at Arundel. In that time Essex made 249-3, Mason Crane taking 1-47 off 19 overs.
2 Minute Read
(PhoenixMedia Image Created from a Photo by David Ashdown/Getty Images)