Durham in fight to stave off drop at Old Trafford

Reigning champions Durham will go in search of their fourth LV County Championship success of the season after what has generally been a disappointing defence of their crown.

The north-east county had started the 2010 campaign aiming for a third county title in a row but need wins to stave off the threat of relegation, and their match against Lancashire at Old Trafford looks finely poised.

Ian Blackwell took four for 102, including the wicket of top scorer Shivnarine Chanderpaul (67).

The West Indies batsman's exit prompted a collapse from 194 for five to 226 all out but Durham made an unconvincing start to their second innings and were on 58 for two at stumps, needing another 113 for victory.

Third-placed Somerset seemed on course for a draw against Hampshire at Taunton as they amassed 392 for seven in reply to the visitors' 284 at Taunton.

James Hildreth led the way for the west country side with an unbeaten 128, becoming the first player to score six championship centuries this season.

In Division Two, leaders Sussex were outscored in their first innings by hosts Surrey at Guildford.

Surrey began the day on 47 without loss and posted 292 in reply to Sussex's 217 after rain prevented any play yesterday. Steve Davies led the way with 62 off 108 balls, a knock which featured ten fours as Yasir Arafat claimed figures of five for 81.

Sussex were 29 for two at the close in their second innings.