Clarke's superb century in vain as Notts are defeated

JOE Clarke hit a brilliant century for Nottinghamshire but it was in vain as they fell to a seven-wicket defeat against Durham in Rothesay County Championship Division One.

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An excellent team bowling effort and a vital 50 from Colin Ackermann steered the home side to victory.

It was Durham's morning as the hosts picked up three of the nine wickets they needed including the vital scalp of Ben Slater, who made 74, which was his second half-century of the match.

However, Clarke counter-attacked either side of lunch and managed to take his side into the lead before notching up his first hundred of the season. There was a late twist though as Durham's bowling attack, led excellently by Ben Raine, roared back after tea and picked up five wickets to bowl Nottinghamshire out for 347.

Durham had 18 overs to get the 91 runs needed for the win and the chase got off to a dramatic start as the hosts lost two wickets at the hands of Mohammad Abbas.

But the experienced head of Ackermann saw them home.

The win sees Durham move up to fourth in Division One and they are only 16 points behind their opponents at the top of a congested table, while Surrey are now breathing down Nottinghamshire’s neck, as the gap at the top is only three points heading into the final game of the current block of fixtures.