Another Katich century as Hampshire build good lead

Hampshire enjoyed another good day at the wooden spoon contest against Derbyshire. The Indian summer disappeared into an overcast gloom day, but not gloomy for Hampshire who set up a useful 141 run lead before bad light ended play an hour early.

Derek Kenway and Jimmy Adams continued their fine opening stand before both openers were removed within a space of 4 runs.

Simon Katich and John Crawley then took up the mantle sharing a 153 run stand. Crawley became the first of Graham Welch's first of three wickets when he was adjudged lbw. Katich moved onto his fourth century in his last Championship match for the county, hitting 19 fours and two sixes.

Dominic Cork the Derbyshire captain, in the middle of some local controversy did not bowl on the second day, leaving the field early on with a ham-string twinge.

Two wicket fell in the middle order to cause a blimp on the day, before James Hamblin who had already made a mark on this match with 6 wickets the previous day stayed together with Dimitri Mascarenhas for 90 runs, Hamblin with a season best 61* played the senior roll.

Hampshire will be looking to extend their lead on the third day and are in a good position to record their second victory of the season.