Alastair Cook went first ball but Essex still managed to defeat Gloucestershire

Essex secured a five-wicket victory over Gloucestershire inside three days at Bristol despite losing England captain Alastair Cook for a golden duck.

Needing just 114 for victory, the visitors slumped to 26-4, but Tom Westley saved the day with an absolutely vital innings of 65 not out.

Having been made to follow on, Gloucestershire resumed on 126-3, still 77 runs behind, and their day began badly, Ian Cockbain (25) bowled shouldering arms to the very first delivery of the morning, which was bowled by James Porter (3-66).

However, 34-year-old Aussie Michael Klinger, who began the day on 62, went on to score his fifth century in nine appearances for Gloucestershire this season.

Having made three T20 hundreds, Klinger scored his second first-class ton since returning to the club before he was caught behind by James Foster off a lifting Ryan ten Doeschate delivery for 103.

Klinger received good support from captain Geraint Jones (37) in a fifth-wicket stand of 69 and there were also good contributions down the order from Benny Howell (48) and Craig Miles (37).

However, Essex seamer Graham Napier (3-66) finished with match figures of 7-80 and the visitors needed just 114 when their hosts were eventually dismissed for 316.

However, Cook warmed up for the Ashes by edging James Fuller (3-32) to Chris Dent at second slip, and the same bowler then had the other opener, Nick Browne (6), caught behind.

Wicket-keeper Jones also caught Ravi Bopara (5) off Miles, before Liam Norwell trapped ten Doeschate (1) in front.

However Foster (14) helped Westley salvage the situation, the duo adding 47 for the fifth wicket, and Jesse Ryder (20 not out off 19 balls) then took Essex over the line.

Essex claimed 23 points while Gloucestershire had to settle for three, having now suffered four defeats in as many Championship home games this season.

Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: "We played some terrific cricket throughout the three days and deserved to win.

"Our bowlers got the ball in the right places in the first innings and put Gloucestershire on the back foot.

"There was no hesitation in enforcing the follow-on, but I was relieved to see the back of Michael Klinger.”

Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson added: "We didn't bowl well in the first session of the match and then to be bowled out ourselves in 39 overs simply wasn't good enough.

"The margin of defeat may make it look as though we competed, but realistically we have to do a lot better."

Surrey routed Derbyshire for 125 in their second innings to maintain second spot in the Division Two table thanks to a crushing 222-run victory at the County Ground.

James Burke put in an impressive performance in only his third first-class match, as he hit a maiden half-century and weighed-in with two wickets

The 24-year-old shared a pivotal seventh-wicket stand of 83 in 23 overs with skipper Gareth Batty, although Derbyshire did not help their own cause with 61 extras.

Burke hit 73 off 116 deliveries – which included 11 fours – while Batty struck 37.

Burke reached his half-ton with a back foot punch through the covers off Wes Durston and eventually fell to Tom Taylor who trapped him lbw.

Batty, meanwhile, skied a drive to cover as Surrey totalled 315 all out in their second knock.

Derbyshire had been set 348 but they crumbled in abject fashion and were bowled out in less than 40 overs.

Spinner Batty starred again with the ball, taking 4-32 in 6.5 overs in overcast conditions that certainly favoured the bowlers.

Derbyshire never really threatened as they slipped to 24-3, 48-5 and 95-9, before adding 30 for the last wicket.

However, had they managed to reach the required target, they would have achieved the highest run-chase in their history to win a County Championship match.

In the end it was Surrey who wrapped up an impressive performance on the stroke of 7pm on day three.

Surrey skipper Batty said: "I thought the boys to a man were magnificent and they should all be really proud of themselves.

"A special mention to Burkey (James Burke). He copped a few in the chops from Footitt and just kept battling through and played a magnificent innings that turned the game."

Derbyshire's elite performance director Graeme Welch said: "That was one of the worse days since I've been in this job.

“This is the most senior squad we've got on the staff and three weeks ago I sat down with them and said I expect performance from you and it's been a really, really disappointing three weeks.

"But we've shown no fight, no bottle which is the most disturbing thing really. There have been a few harsh words said and a few things people didn't like to hear so we'll see where we go from here."

Leicestershire suffered a late collapse as Glamorgan took charge of their Division Two match at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

The visitors looked on course to overtake Glamorgan’s first innings total of 278, as they passed 220 with just five wickets down.

But after losing their last five batsmen for just 31 runs, Leicestershire were left with a deficit of 25 having been bowled out for 253.

Nine batsmen made it into double figures but only Matt Boyce reached 50.

Glamorgan off-spinner Andrew Salter bowled a lengthy spell of 30 overs taking a splendid 2-64.

However, when the Welsh county batted again, they slipped to 1-2 after losing Will Bragg and Ben Wright without scoring.

Jacques Rudolph and Colin Ingram then steadied the ship as they batted out the remainder of the second day to reach 64-2 at stumps – a lead of 89.