Kenway nudges selectors as Hampshire cruise to victory over Derbyshire

Derek Kenway savaged the Derbyshire bowling to hammer an unbeaten 93 from 87 balls as Hampshire skated to a nine wicket win with more than eight overs to spare at Derby.

Kenway and Jason Laney, who ended on 62, shared an unbroken second wicket stand of 144 in 24 overs to take their side past Derbyshire's 184-5 in the 36th over of a game reduced to 44 overs by rain.

It was brilliant batting by Kenway who struck two sixes and 10 fours to turn what promised to be a close contest into a romp in the evening sunshine for the visitors.

Laney played a supporting role but also batted fluently after Graeme Welch had started with two maidens to suggest Derbyshire had a chance of defending their total on a grassy pitch.

The home sides' batting had struggled as the ball moved around and although Michael Di Venuto made 42, they were struggling at 100-5 in the 31st over.

Shaun Udal bowled superbly to concede only 14 runs from nine overs but Karl Krikken and Luke Sutton added 84 to lift Derbyshire to a competitive score although Kenway turned the game when he came in after Neil Johnson was lbw in the 12th over.

Alex Edwards was withdrawn after his four overs cost 29 and one over from Rob Bailey went for 15 as Kenway dispatched the first three balls to the boundary.

He survived two stumping chances on 43 and 78, both off left-arm spinner Lian Wharton, but by then, Hampshire were well on course to a victory that takes them a step closer to promotion to Division One.