Scorecard
Hampshire batsman Neil McKenzie struck a confident century to end Nottinghamshire’s unbeaten start in the LV= County Championship.
Notts made steady progress throughout the afternoon and evening sessions to reduce the visitors to 225-8 but Mckenzie’s partnership with Rangana Herath took Hampshire across the line.
“I’m always disappointed to lose but we’ve seen a great game of four day cricket and having won four matches prior to this I can take it in a more relaxed fashion than I would if we’d made a poor start,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.
“We worked hard today but Hamsphire’s top order batted for a long time and made it easier for their lower order with an older ball. We never gave up though and wickets after tea got us right back in it
“With eight overs to go I thought they would play for a draw but Neil McKenzie hit one into the stands and they kicked on again
“We’ll take lots of positives from the game because Alex Hales batted well and will stay in the team now. I’ve got no complaints about the four seam bowlers and Samit bowled very well today.
“One or two lads will go to the second team and try and find some form next week and we know that Mark Wagh will come back into the side and there’s a possibility that Luke Fletcher and Ryan Sidebottom will be available to us as well.”
Both sides enjoyed surges in momentum throughout the day with Notts seemingly in command when Darren Pattinson had Balcombe lbw with ten overs to spare. Andre Adams was given the lion's share of the overs and finished with 3-118 with Pattinson (2-51) and Paul Franks (2-41) providing solid support.
Samit Patel gave Notts a strong start to the evening session by trapping Sean Ervine lbw but McKenzie's steady start and more frenetic finish was worthy of winning the game.