Stubborn resistance from Somerset tail thwarts Hampshire.

The fourth and last day of the Frizzell Championship match between Somerset and Hampshire at the Bath Recreation Ground, proved to be the only one with a full schedule, no stoppages for light or rain, and it proved to be an enthralling days play, with the result in doubt until the close.

Hampshire started the day with 3 runs and 4 wickets lost in the second innings, and soon lost Neil Johnson and Nic Pothas to reach 16 for 6, and a meagre 107 lead.

Dimitri Mascarenhas however had better thoughts as he crashed seven fours for his run a ball 31. Robin Smith then bravely battled with an injured back to give some respectability to the total, including punching Bulbeck for a six and four off successive balls; his 41 not out led Hampshire to 98 all out and set Somerset 190 to win in a minimum of 61 overs. Richard Johnson taking 7 for 43

With the seamers dominating throughout the four days, this was always going to be a tough ask, and when 2 wickets fell to Chris Tremlett early on, it needed some recovery.

Australian Jamie Cox and Peter Bowler got their heads down and with help from the middle order looked like making a serious challenge for victory. When three wickets fell for just one run it made Hampshire favourites for the match, but stubborn resistance by the tail thwarted their efforts, acting captain Will Kendall trying all sorts of bowling changes to no avail.

Keith Dutch and Matt Bulbeck batted out the last seven overs to see the home team hold out for a draw.