Hampshire lose but give Somerset a fright

It was perhaps inevitable after the previous three days, that Somerset would win this Frizzell County Championship match at The Rose Bowl, however it was not before a Hampshire fight back and a scare for Somerset that the result was achieved well into the evening session.

Derek Kenway's previous days efforts lasted just one ball on the fourth day as he played a thin edge off Nixon McLean. He had battled for 6 hours, but sadly left without that elusive century. Chris Tremlett batting with a runner (Will Kendall) played some timely shots as he and Shaun Udal added some impetus to the mornings play. Udal however, drove at Simon Francis to Keith Dutch at mid-off, and then Alan Mullally lasted 5 balls before he was trapped by the big West Indian McLean.

James Bruce held his end well as Tremlett continued to foil the Somerset bowlers, his grandfather Maurice would have been proud of some of his driving. All good things must come to an end, as McLean bowled the tall batsman for 43 five minutes before lunch, just after Hampshire had reached the 300 mark.

Set 128 for victory, the visitors struggled against the pace of Mullally and Mascarenhas and it was the latter that dismissed the opening batsmen for just 20 runs. Jamie Cox the first innings hero then fell to the admirable James Bruce, trapping him well in front lbw, and then he enticed the Somerset skipper to edge to the wicket-keeper.

At 59 for 4, Hampshire were perhaps sniffing at an unlikely victory, but a vital dropped catch, shortly after the fourth wicket fell was probably the defining moment. James Bryant and Ian Blackwell then gathered their thoughts, the sun came out making batting easier and the pair took their side to victory.

After four drawn matches, this was Hampshire's first Championship defeat of the season, and missing Wasim Akram (tonsillitis) and the injured Tremlett proved costly.

Chris Tremlett had a scan on his right foot yesterday and as a result will miss at least the next three weeks.