LVCC: Hampshire v Sussex Day 4

Hampshire Vs Sussex Day 4

A draw was the result of this rain-affected match between Hampshire and Sussex in the LV County Championship at The Rose Bowl.

On a rather sunny morning of the last day, Sussex resumed on 230 for 6, 120 runs behind Hampshire's score, as they look to obtain full batting points in the final day of this LV County Championship game.

Sussex's pursuit did hit a stumbling block however as Robin Martin-Jenkins was caught behind of the bowling of Billy Taylor for 16. And Sussex soon lost the cornerstone to their innings soon after, Hampshire used the new ball to good effect as they finally removed Matt Prior. He looked in great knick before a brilliant delivery by James Tomlinson took his wicket and he was heading back to the pavilion having scored 140 runs from 195 balls.

Overseas player Damien Wright passed a personal milestone of 3000 First Class runs, as he and Ragheb Aga brought 300 up for Sussex to Hampshire's frustration.

Wright and Aga continued to frustrate Hampshire and they soon brought up their 50-run partnership. Fortunately for Hampshire, Liam Dawson found a breakthrough as he had Wright (42) caught behind by Nic Pothas. And later in the over Dawson got another as Aga (24)was given lbw as Sussex finished 336 all out, 14 runs adrift of Hampshire's 350.

After lunch, Carberry and James Adams came together at the crease for the beginning of Hampshire's second innings with the match set to finish as a draw. Chances were still aplenty for the Sussex bowlers however, with Martin-Jenkins finding two edges in consecutive balls off Adams, only for the opener to guide them safely through a vacant third slip.

The first ten overs did see a succession of boundaries, with Carberry in particular punishing some rather wayward bowling from West Indian Corey Collymore.

The Englishman seemed to be one of the few who were taking this opportunity with some gusto, as Andy Hodd took to the wicket-keeping position relinquished by Matt Prior, a sign of the relaxed nature that the men from Hove were taking on this final day.

Carberry did complete a solid half century however, after surviving being dropped on 38, he completed the knock off 103 balls. Sussex seemed to have no answers for the resolute opening stand between Carberry and Adams, which at tea stood at 88 without loss, with the hosts having a lead of 102.

Hampshire carried on where they left off after tea. Adams and Carberry brought up their 100 partnership in no time as the visitors struggled to find a breakthrough.

Local lad Adams edged further towards his half century with a flurry of singles before hitting a well-driven four through cover for his 20th First Class fifty.

Fellow opener Carberry was out not long after for 72. Spinner Chris Nash was rewarded for his persistence as the batter was out lbw to give Sussex a wicket in a drawn out session. Michael Lumb was out for a duck and he was bowled by Rory Hamilton-Brown.

Hampshire finished on 127 for 2.

Match report by Nick Howson and Steven Woodgate

(Written for www.rosebowlplc.com)