Notts clinch County championship

Nottinghamshire pipped Somerset to the 2010 English County championship by taking three late Lancashire wickets and winning a bonus point in a thrilling rain-affected finale to the season on Thursday.

After waiting for three days to bat on the Old Trafford pitch due to poor weather conditions, Notts batted valiantly to reach 400 for nine wickets declared, earning them an extra bonus point that took them to within one point of Somerset.

The 2005 champions then required three wickets in under 20 overs for a bowling bonus point and the honours.

Ryan Sidebottom and Andre Adams wasted little time in dismantling the Lancashire top order.

West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was caught in the slips off Adams to decide the 2010 winners and proud captain and former England wicketkeeper Chris Read was quick to thank his opening bowlers.

"I couldn't heap enough praise on Andre Adams for the way he's bowled this year, and whenever Ryan's with us he's a fantastic asset," a beaming Read told Sky Sports while juggling the trophy and a bottle of champagne.

Notts and Somerset finished level on 214 points but it was the midlands county who prevailed owing to winning one more game during the season than their rivals.

The win was Notts' second since the championship was divided into two divisions from 2000. The midlands county won four titles from 1890-1999.

Somerset needed a win to clinch their first county championship, but were frustrated by 2008 and 2009 champions Durham, who held the south-west England county to a draw.