Udal outshines Warne in Hampshire victory

Hampshire had a stay of execution by beating Derbyshire at the County Ground, Southampton today, sending their visitors into next seasons Second Division. It meant Hampshire survived another night, but with Kent needing just three points from their game tomorrow, or their last match, providing Hampshire were to gain maximum points in their last match against Yorkshire next week. Their hopes of surviving much longer, not in their own hands.

Despite this, this was Hampshire's only 20 point victory this season, and their third win of the season, as Derbyshire finally folded by 2:30pm, having defended stoutly for much of the morning.

Rob Bailey, not known for his big hitting, decided that the best form of defence was attack. He smote two sixes off Shaun Udal, but reserve wicket-keeper Luke Sutton who scored just 7 runs in the first hour of the day was first to go. Sutton fell to a spectacular if albeit fortuitous catch by Warne off Alex Morris. The Australia got a hand to the ball; it rebounded onto his mouth and nose before clutching the ball in his lap. Warne had to leave the field for treatment.

Bailey was finally lbw on the back foot, and another collapse not quite as frantic as the first innings ensued. Dowman edged Udal to the wicket-keeper, Will Kendall ran out Cassar, an attempted run against one of the counties best fielders was suicidal. James Pyemont became Udal's fifth victim, his best return of the season, before Warne mopped up Tim Munton and Lian Wharton. Four wickets fell for one run in 29 balls.