County round-up: Thomas keeps Somerset surge rolling

Somerset have not given up hope of improving on last year's second place in the County Championship and enjoyed the benefits again of having Alfonso Thomas back to full fitness as they dismissed Sussex for 245.

Michael Yardy had faith enough in the Taunton pitch not to be put off by a green top or an overcast sky when he won the toss but after half-centuries for Ed Joyce and Murray Goodwin his side collapsed from 201 for four, losing their last six wickets in just under 22 overs as Thomas finished with six for 60, his best figures in England.

Thomas was a key figure as Somerset beat Durham by nine wickets last month, which was followed by last week's innings win over Worcestershire.

With the exception of Michael di Venuto, who made 132 on a rain-disrupted day in Chester-le-Street, Durham were made to struggle by Nottinghamshire, whose Andre Adams took four wickets to become leading wicket taker in the First Division.

Jacques Rudolph fell one short of a century but Yorkshire ended in the strong position of 318 for three against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl.