Kendall and Mascarenhas take Hampshire to victory.

Hampshire had Will Kendall and Dimitri Mascarenhas to thank for the recovery that led them to a three wicket victory over Durham, in the opening Frizzell County Championship match of the season.

Hampshire resumed on their 13 for 2 after losing all of the third day to heavy rain, and play did not start on the fourth till 12pm. It was tough going throughout the 55 minutes before lunch at which time Hampshire had receded to 25 for 5. Chris Tremlett the 2nd nightwatchman struck two boundaries before departing to the persevering Davies.

With the other night-watchman Billy Taylor holding up one end, John Crawley batting with a runner and Michael Clark were both dismissed without scoring. Crawley was lbw and Clarke received a shooter to be bowled. The morning session with dark thundery showers looming over the Rose Bowl had given the visitors a chance.

Taylor departed shortly after the lunch break, he had batted doggedly for 76 minutes (58 balls). Nic Pothas bullied two fours as he too was trapped in front by Davies, and at 52 for 7, Hampshire were in real danger of losing a match they had dominated from day one.

Cometh the man, cometh the hour, or should I say cometh the men. With the innings in tatters, Will Kendall was joined by Dimitri Mascarenhas, a steady start to the partnership brought them to 66 for 7, then it was as if skipper Warne had pressed a button in the dressing room, as first Mascarenhas struck 4 fours in just 5 balls, then Will Kendall joined in, and before you knew it the 50 partnership was up, then with a swing Dimmy struck Reon King for his 5th boundary, and to the relief of the patient crowd, Hampshire had recorded their first opening match victory for 11 years.