Draw hampers Somerset title bid

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP, DIVISION ONE, Rose Bowl, day four (close):
Hampshire 316 & 196-1 dec drew with Somerset 436
Points: Hampsire 10, Somerset 9

Match scorecard

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Somerset's Division One title hopes suffered a blow as Hampshire batted for most of day four to earn a draw.

The West Country side appeared to have an outside chance of victory, despite the loss of 71 overs during the previous three days to rain.

They ended their first innings 120 runs in front, but an unbroken stand of 170 between Michael Carberry and Michael Lumb ensured the match was drawn.

Hampshire ended 76 runs ahead on 196-1 having dismissed the visitors for 436.

Ian Blackwell and Alfonso Thomas were quick to add to the visitors' overnight lead, before Blackwell fell to Hampshire captain Dimitri Mascarenhas having scored 129.

Mascarenhas soon claimed the wicket of Thomas before he dismissed last man Charl Willoughby who lofted a drive to James Adams.

As soon as Carberry and Lumb were at the crease a draw was inevitable as they took command and quickly erased Somerset's lead.

Carberry was unbeaten with 88, while Lumb had scored 83 from 152 balls, when Somerset accepted their fate.