Exciting draw ends all Hampshire affair

The third and final day of the three day practice match at Stellenbosch University, ended in a tense draw, as Robin Smith's XI set 269 to win in 82 overs finished on 250-9.

In very hot conditions, the mornings play was dominated by Lawrence Prittipaul who moved to a stylish 73 off 93 balls, including 10 fours, and continued to excite Hampshire's coaching staff. He was asked to retire to allow others much needed time in the middle. Shaun Udal also retired on 36. Simon Francis with 2 wickets for 47 was the pick of the bowlers.

The Robin Smith innings started slowly, with John Stephenson following on his first innings 57 with a 119 ball 41 that included 5 fours. Laney with 11 looked good for a while, before he was beaten by a quicker ball from Mullally and was bowled. Captain Robin Smith also looked good, but he bacame the first of Shaun Udal's 6 wickets when he was drawn forward from a flighted leg side delivery and was well stumped by wicket-keeper Iain Brunnschweiler. Adi Aymes and Alex Morris steadied the innings, Aymes playing in a more aggressive roll than he is noted for struck a 60 ball 42 with 7 fours, before he pulled Udal to the safe hands of Giles White at mid-wicket. Morris was well held at mid-on by the diving Mullally.

Tony Marais a guest player from Stellenbosch University played a very useful batsman. The young Gauteng Under 19 wicket-keeper batsman was left not out at the end with 76, but is partners collapsed to a lengthy tidy spell by Udal, Zac Morris was also stumped by Brunnschweiler, Shah was caught behind and Francis lbw.

Udal finished with 6 for 80 and match figures of 11 for 137, a good return to take him into the new season with. Hamblin also bowled well although only taking the single wicket.