Cricket: Parsons the inspiration

ROUND-UP

Leicestershire yesterday fought like tigers, or rather the champions that they are, to restore some equilibrium to their Championship match against Middlesex at Lord's.

Middlesex appeared to be taking command as they resumed on 298 for 4 in their first innings, already 18 ahead, but Gordon Parsons was inspired form. He claimed their last four wickets for five runs in 26 balls to finish with 4 for 22 and restrict Middlesex to 395, a lead of 115.

Darren Maddy, who eventually fell to Phil Tufnell for 103, and Vince Wells swept that lead away with an opening stand of 173.

David Hemp hit an unbeaten 113 as Warwickshire were struggling to set Kent a target at Tunbridge Wells.

They reached 237 for 6 by the close, a lead of 172 after a career-best 59 not out by Julian Thompson had helped Kent reach 379 in their first innings to lead by 65. Thompson put together a ninth-wicket stand of 109 with Ben Phillips, who scored 41.

Phillips then removed Nick Knight, Neil Smith and Trevor Penny, but Hemp stood firm to keep the contest finely balanced.

At Chester-le-Street, Sussex fought back against Durham, led by Neil Taylor, who hit 109, and Bill Athey, who scored 50. Their third-wicket stand of 142 helped Sussex to pile on 243 for 8 in their second-innings, a lead of 278 after Durham had made 338.