Loye struck a century in the first innings and finished the second undefeated on 104 at Northampton as the home side cruised past their victory target of 242 in the 58th over. The Northampton-born right-hander faced 168 balls for his match-winning knock, hitting 12 fours and a six, after making 105 first time around.

Notts resumed on 168 for nine - they made a healthy 489 in the first innings - and looked to build on their lead of 238 going into the final day. But for the addition of just three more runs they were all out in double quick time for 172, leaving Michael Hussey's side most of the day to knock off the 242 required to record their first championship win of the campaign.

Notts number nine Richard Logan was caught by Loye off one from Carl Greenidge to leave his side 172 for nine and last man Paul McMahon was trapped lbw next ball by the same bowler.

Northants paceman Greenidge and off-spinners Jason Brown and Graeme Swann all finished with three wickets apiece as the hosts manoeuvred themselves into a winning position.

In reply, skipper Hussey had faced only eight balls when he went lbw to Andy Harris for four to leave Northants on 15 for one. Fellow opener Adrian Rollins (39) then took the score on to 78 before he was snapped up by Guy Welton at mid-on off Logan.

When David Sales - who made 179 in the first innings - was run out by Paul Johnson for one after facing two balls, Northants were 79 for three and still required 163 to win. But Jeff Cook then joined Loye in the middle and the pair put on 135 for the fourth wicket in just over two hours.

When Cook was caught by Notts skipper Jason Gallian in the slips for 68 off Harris to leave Northants 214 for four, victory was already in sight. There was just time enough for Loye to steer his side home and carve out his second ton of the match, with Tony Penberthy left unbeaten on five.

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