Hampshire require 95 runs with 8 wickets left

Hampshire appear to be in with a very good chance of winning their opening Frizzell Championship Division Two match of the season against Durham, but still have a job to do. Chasing 109 to win they lost openers Brown and Kenway early in the second innings.

Hampshire started the second day in suicidal mode, four of the last five wickets to fall in the morning were poor shots offered up to the gleeful bowlers. Mark Davies was the receipient of most of these to finish with career best figures of 6 for 53.

Hampshire lost five wickets in the morning for just 26 runs. Michael Clarke who had entertained the crowd on the first day was out early adding just 2 runs to his overnight score.

With a deficit of 97, Durham lost three wickets for just 19, and a two day finish was looking likely. However, skipper Jon Lewis and Nicky Peng put together a brave partnership of 111, before Warne picked up the first of his 5 wickets bowling the young Peng quite comprehensively. Tremlett and Mullally, and a long economical stint from Mascarenhas all contributed to the visitors downfall, but it was Warne who finally put paid to any resistance with 5 for 68.

With just 5 overs remaining in the days play, and Hampshire set 109 for victory, 11 runs in the first over looked like a stroll. Bowlers Plunkett and Davies has other ideas dismissing the openers before the close.