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6th August 2010

Durhams bold move goes unrewarded

Having declared a hundred behind Hampshire on day three, Durham continued their determined and attacking approach in the field, with Dale Benkenstein bowling eight maidens in his nine over spell and Hampshire taking 53 minutes to score a run from the Town End of the ground. 

Chris Rushworth, fielding for Callum Thorp who had injured his calf the previous day, was the second victim in the match, splitting the webbing in his right hand going for a catch, Lumb off Blackwell, mid session.

The Hampshire batsmen added just over 100 in the first session without losing a wicket, Carberry and Lumb both scoring fifties just before lunch.  As Hampshire extended their lead to over 300 there was some anticipation that they may set Durham a target, giving the sides an opportunity to go for the win, but that wasn’t to be – the hosts batted on.

Blackwell picked up three wickets in quick succession, leaving Hampshire 200-5, Lumb caught by Harmison for 64, Carberry stumped shortly after reaching his century and Vince, his fifth scalp of the innings, caught by Di Venuto for 5.

Tea was taken early due to a shower and as the rain got heavier it became apparent that no further play was possible and the match was abandoned as a draw, Hampshire picking up 10 points and Durham 7.

At the close of play Durham CCC spoke to captain Phil Mustard, “If we knew that Hampshire weren’t going to try and make a game of it then we would have gone on to try and get 400 when we were batting but we tried to set a game up and I think that would’ve been nest for the two sides.  Both of us needed a win but obviously Hampshire thought differently and were happy to bat out for the draw, which is a little bit disappointing.  

“It’s a tough one, it was a quick scoring outfield so it was tough for Hampshire to gauge what would or wouldn’t be a good score to chase down but I thought we played the game in the right spirit.”

Follow the Live Match Chat from day four at www.durhamccc.co.uk/live-match-chat