Hampshire poised for victory over Derbyshire.

It may be too little too late for Hampshire, as following their victory over Durham, last week, they are poised to defeat Derbyshire tomorrow and gain the maximum 20 points for the first time this season.

The game turned completely on it's head just after tea, when including the last ball before the interval, six Derbyshire wickets fell in 18 balls for just 6 runs.

The day started quietly, with Hampshire being forced to start the day with spinners due to the murky conditions. Luke Sutton and Rob Bailey took their time, after surviving a couple of scares early on, but it was off-spinner Shaun Udal who ended the openers vigil when he was caught at forward short leg. Sutton had faced 224 balls. Dowman fell to another good catch shortly afterwards. Rain forced the players off for an early lunch.

On the resumption Rob Bailey who was patient to the extreme and James Pyemont shared a 123 run partnership, and were taking the visitors near the follow on mark of 373. But no one could predict the mayhem that was to follow.

Pyemont, who had faced 99 balls, hitting 7 fours fell to the very last ball before tea, when he edged Alex Morris to Jason Laney at second slip.

After tea the circus of events unfolded. Matt Cassar was caught behind off Warne in the first over, then the prize wicket of Rob Bailey, as he left an in swinging ball and was bowled by Morris. Shane Warne then took two wickets in successive balls, dismissing Munton and Dean.

With 9 players around the bat, Wharton survived the hat-trick ball, just. In the next over Lacey played a pleasing shot, only to see Shaun Udal diving to his right to take a spectacular catch at cover point to finish the innings.

Hampshire immediately enforced the follow on, hardly believing their good fortune, and had Derbyshire 2 wickets down at the close. Udal snapping up Stubbings and Di Venuto, before bad light brought the players off 10 overs early.