Lancashire duly secured victory in plenty of time for lunch, giving Hampshire their second Frizzell Championship defeat of the season, which with the ECB imposing a 8 point penalty for a sub-standard pitch meant the home side finished their match minus five, having won three bowling points after Lancashire were dismissed in their first innings.

The batting today reflected the dire situation at the start of day. Resuming at 54 for 4, still 174 from an unlikely win, John Francis and Zimbabwean Neil Johnson raised a slight hope, posting 27 runs before being bowled by Keedy's second ball of the day. From then on it was a procession with John Wood polishing off the tail.

The talk of the day was however the state of the pitch, and Director of Cricket Tim Tremlett issued the following statement ...

"Hampshire Cricket acknowledges that the Championship pitch versus Lancashire was below average but nonetheless feel harshly treated in having 8 points deducted".

"Nigel Gray is in constant touch with the ECB and we will be seeking further advicew and guidance to ensure that this situation does not re-occur".

Hampshire's next home Championship match is not until August 14th, so much work will be done between now and then.

© Hampshire Cricket