Hampshire storm to innings win against Somerset

Hampshire raced to victory in their LV= Insurance County Championship Division One opener as they thrashed Somerset by an innings and 113 runs inside three days.

Somerset trailed by 223 after resuming on 25 without loss and were skittled for 135 in their second innings at the Ageas Bowl as the home side claimed 23 points.

Hants vs Somerset scorecard

Hampshire, whose first-innings total of 428 had given them a commanding lead, ripped through Somerset's batting line-up thanks to Mohammad Abbas (four for 22) and James Fuller (three for 23).

Ben Compton notched his maiden first-class century in England as Kent closed in on Essex's mammoth first-innings total in the clash.

Essex vs Kent scorecard

Compton, the South African-born grandson of former England great Denis Compton, scored a patient 129 in Chelmsford as Kent ended day three on 405 for five - 109 runs behind the hosts' 514.

Jordan Cox weighed in with the fifth century of the match as he reached the close unbeaten on 100 and, once Kent had overhauled the follow-on target with only four wickets down, the draw became inevitable with a day to play.

Matt Lamb's second first-class century underpinned Warwickshire's fightback against Surrey as the opening-round clash between the two title contenders heads for a draw at Edgbaston.

Warwicks vs Surrey scorecard

Reigning champions Warwickshire closed on 293 for seven in reply to Surrey's 428 for eight.

At 41 for four early on the third morning, Warwickshire were in deep trouble but Lamb (106) and Sam Hain (78) added 157 to stall the visitors' charge.

Ryan Higgins hit an unbeaten 134 to revive Gloucestershire's hopes of securing an opening-round win against Northamptonshire.

Northants vs Gloucs scorecard

Higgins arrived at the