County Cricket round-up

An unbeaten 207 by Mark Ramprakash has put leaders Surrey on the way to a fifth Championship win at the expense of Warwickshire at The Oval today.

He followed his 218 at Somerset last week with another superb performance, bringing up his double century with a hooked six over square leg. It was his fourth hundred of the season.

But Rikki Clarke's 79 in a sixth-wicket stand of 175 with Ramprakash also made a great impact. The 6ft 4ins right-hander from Guildford, playing in only his fourth Championship game, looked like an England prospect with an assured display.

After being 57 for four overnight, Surrey grasped the initiative and moved on towards an impressive total.

Surrey 469-9 (114 overs) v Warwicks

SUSSEX

Ed Smith struck a brilliant century as Kent extended their first-innings lead over Sussex at Hove.

Smith was on 125 not out and Amjad Khan was still there on 56 as Kent piled on the runs.

Sussex 145, Kent 324-7 (110 overs)

HAMPSHIRE

Hampshire were in charge today against Leicestershire at Grace Road. The hosts lost Trevor Ward, Iain Sutcliffe, Darren Maddy and Darren Stevens for just 44 runs.

Hampshire 311, Leics 44-4 (37 overs)

ESSEX

Anuraj Singh hit an unbeaten half-century as Worcester continued to make steady inroads into Essex's first-innings total of 197. Singh shared a first-wicket stand of 82 with Paul Weston.

Essex 197, Worc 159-3 (56.4 overs)

MIDDLESEX

Kim Barnett stood up to Middlesex's attack as he made 182 not out in Gloucestershire's first innings score of 388 at Southgate.

Gloucs 388, Middx 29-0 (13 overs)