There were a number of eye-catching performances in the past seven days by the Irish players in county action in England.

It was another week, another century for Ed Joyce in an incredible match against a Somerset side which included George Dockrell.

The Sussex skipper hit his fourth County Championship hundred of the season making 103 in a Sussex first innings total of 214 - Dockrell claiming 1-15.

It was a different story second time around for Joyce though, as he was the hat-trick victim of Alfonso Thomas, who took an incredible four wickets in four balls, as Somerset won by six wickets with a day to spare - Dockrell taking 2 for 37 as his side climbed to the top of the table.

William Porterfield showed he has no trouble switching formats as he scored 57 from 198 balls in Warwickshire's drawn game with Lancashire. The Irish skipper hit 20 in the second innings as the game petered out.

In the second division, Niall O'Brien was again among the runs as he top scored in both the Leicestershire innings, hitting 89 and 71. Despite the best efforts of the Dubliner, Derbyshire won comfortably by 9 wickets.

Gary Wilson made 26 as he skippered Surrey in an incredible game at Bristol. The Oval side had a first innings lead of 514 over Gloucestershire after dismissing them for just 112. However the West Country side batted for two days to secure what looked an unlikely draw.

Graeme McCarter was the star of the show for Gloucestershire in their thrilling last over win against Sussex.

The former Killyclooney and Fox Lodge man took five wickets - including those of Luke Wright and Ed Joyce - as he held his nerve in a last over thriller to secure the four run win.

Gary Wilson  clearly enjoys the shortest format and he was among the runs again - making 45 in their game against Essex. However there was another first baller for Kevin O'Brien, but he did have the consolation of dismissing Jessie Ryder - it was to no avail though as Essex won by five wickets.