Essex thrive thanks to Jefferson's fast fifty

Essex registered their third National League First Division win in four matches with an eight-wicket triumph over Warwickshire at Edgbaston yesterday, in a match badly affected by rain.

The match did not get underway until 4.30pm. The home side made 143 after being put in to bat.

Jonathan Trott's 40 was the highlight for Warwickshire as four Essex players – Ronnie Irani, Scott Brant, Andrew Clarke and Graham Napier – each took two wickets.

Will Jefferson made a half-century off 36 balls before 49 from Andy Flower steered Essex to a comfortable victory.

The reigning champions Glamorgan claimed an easy 10-wicket win over Gloucestershire at Cardiff to make it three wins from three games.

Glamorgan limited the visitors to 133 for 9 and were set a target of 130 for victory under the Duckworth-Lewis method, runs they quickly obtained thanks to Ian Thomas (71 not out) and Robert Croft (60 not out).

Leicestershire's poor start to the season came to an end with a 66-run win over Yorkshire at Grace Road.

They reached 247 for 8 in their 45 overs with Darren Stevens top-scoring with 63. Ryan Sidebottom was the pick of the Yorkshire attack with 5 for 42. However, the visitors were limited to 181 with Charles Dagnall, picking up 4 for 41.

Somerset, the Second Division's bottom club, were indebted to captain Jamie Cox for their victory over Nottinghamshire at Taunton.

The Tasmanian made 110 as Somerset reached 293 for 4. Usman Afzaal replied with 105 for Nottinghamshire but Simon Francis' 3 for 50 helped limit the visitors to 265 all out.

Lancashire beat Hampshire by 70 runs after limiting the visitors to 150 all out. Lancashire earlier scored to 231 for 4 from their allotted 30 overs.