Glen Chapple, the Lancashire paceman, produced an inspired spell of bowling against Kent at Liverpool to take 6-40 as the visitors collapsed in pursuit of a modest target.

Chasing 163 for victory, and to keep their title chances alive, the visitors lost early wickets and never recovered before being skittled out for a total of 92. Only Martin Van Jaarsveld, with 23, and Ryan McLaren, with 26, provided any resistance as Chapple and Tom Smith, who took 3-28, ensured the win that could keep Lancashire in the top division.

In division two, Worcestershire sealed promotion after Essex, playing Warwickshire at Chelmsford, were unable to obtain the final bowling point thanks to an unbeaten double century from wicket keeper Tony Frost.

Elsewhere, Nottinghamshire heaped more misery on relegated Surrey as they edged towards victory, and the top of the division one table, in their match at The Oval. Centuries yesterday from Mark Wagh and Samit Patel put the visitors in a commanding position and they were eventually bowled out for 532, a lead of 265.

Click on the links below for session-by-session reports from today's matches.

Click here for yesterday's session reports.

Day three

LV County Championship - Division One

Durham v Sussex, Riverside

Lancashire v Kent, Liverpool

Surrey v Nottinghamshire, The Brit Oval

Yorkshire v Somerset, Scarborough

LV County Championship - Division Two

Derbyshire v Gloucestershire, Derby

Essex v Warwickshire, Chelmsford

Glamorgan v Leicestershire, The Swalec Stadium

Worcestershire v Middlesex, Kidderminster