Back to cricket at the Rose Bowl after concerts

After the weekend of Pop and Classical music, The Rose Bowl returned to the more sedate atmosphere of a Frizzell County Championship match, where Hampshire entertained Division Two leaders Worcestershire.

Hampshire made two changes to the team that drew at Taunton. Simon Katich returned after a small bout of flu and Chaminda Vaas after being rested.

A maiden century from wicket-keeper David Pipe, only playing due to the injury to regular keeper Stephen Rhodes was the star act, and with Justin Kemp shared a 6th wicket stand of 137 to recover the Worcestershire innings after the visitors had won the toss.

James Tomlinson and Dimitri Mascarenhas had reduced the Midlanders to 179 for 5, with Steven Peters watching as four wickets fell around him. Lawrence Prittipaul finally broke the partnership and helped himself to two more wickets for a career best tally of 3 for 17, but the day belonged to Worcestershire mustering 4 valuable points towards the eight required for promotion.

Derek Kenway and James Adams survived the two overs before the close of play.