Although this match has not been afforded first-class status, the first day of the Hampshire v Loughborough UCCE gave the sparse crowd some excellent entertainment as the visitor's amassed 371-5dec in just 92 overs.

Hampshire fielded a young side, and Nic Pothas was drafted in as a late replacement for Lawrence Prittipaul who was ill.

Three Hampshire hopefuls, returning from college next week were on show in the UCCE side, James Adams who hit a dogged half century, John Francis who edged leg-spinner Ian Hilsum to slip on 5, and Chris Benham and all-rounder who supported his captain with 54* in a partnership of 171*.

Mark Powell the Loughborough captain played a sparkling innings, striking 21 fours and two sixes in scoring 124*, his innings was the mainstay of the Loughborough task. 47 extras also contributed to the score as the Hampshire bowlers toiled. Ian Hilsum took two wickets just before the lunch interval, after Adams and Atri had put on 106 for the first wicket, then Powell dominated the afternoon proceedings.

Hampshire were given half an hours batting before the close, but the visitors luck was out as Kenway was dropped before he scored by the wicket-keeper, he then advanced to 16 not out, and Laney smote two huge sixes to finish the day 21*.

© Hampshire Cricket