Halo Stickman

Brilliant performance by Hampshire! Absolutely delighted. Great time to be a Saints and Hampshire fan! Fantastic to see Tommo getting six wickets to finish as our leading wicket-taker yet again. Excellent captaincy by Adams - I never doubted that decision not to enforce the follow-on for a single moment Some fine team performances and consistently solid individual performances this year, especially amongst the batsmen. Hampshire 2014 Div 2 Batting averages: Vince 61 Smith 52 Ervine 45 Adams 43 Carberry 42 Hampshire 2014 Div 2 Bowling Averages: Wood 15 wkts at 17 Abbot 36 wkts at 20 Tomlinson 47 wkts at 26 Briggs 27 wkts at 26 Coles 41 wkts at 28 Dawson 17 wkts at 31 Ervine 19 wkts at 36

On reflection, I’m just about persuaded that Hants were right not to enforce the follow-on, although I do wonder whether the likes of Ingleby-Mackenzie, Nicholas and Warne would have adopted the same approach. Still, captaincy, strategies, game-plans, opinions – these are just some of the things that make cricket so absorbing. Frustratingly, I’m travelling for much of the day, so will struggle to keep up with events. Five hundred lead by lunch, skittle Glamorgan out by close of play, celebrate in the sunshine, or the rain, tomorrow – that would be my strategy from here on in, FWIW. Let's do it Hampshire.

What you say makes good sense Weston, but I think the possibility of adverse weather playing some role on the fourth day is making a few of us nervous. I see the Weather Channel is flagging the chance of rain in Cardiff on Friday at 20 per cent, so I assume Hants are banking on the 80 per cent chance that it won’t rain. Fair odds I suppose.

169/9 now. If we do take this last wicket for less than 38, enforcing the follow on would definitely be the right thing to do imo, or is there any argument for batting again and then bowling fourth?

Okay, with Essex now having accumulated at least 3 batting points, and looking odds on to beat Worcs, only a Hants win against Glamorgan will see us promoted. Chance for a few of our lads to write themselves into Hampshire folk-lore.

Granted it’s early days and football has a habit of kicking you in the balls when you’re least expecting it, nevertheless, right at this moment, I’m feeling extremely optimistic about the future of our club.

Glam 56/3. 2 wickets in an over from Wood – just what we needed! Come on Haaaaampshire.

We've got a helluva team here! Very, very happy.

Yep, I agree with you on both counts. It really is a compelling event and I’ve a feeling the USA might win this time – although I really hope they don’t because I enjoy seeing them lose almost as much as I enjoy seeing Europe win

Yep, 357 all out, that’s a fantastic recovery – edge of the seat stuff all day. Well played Vince and Ervine. Tomorrow morning could be key imo.

Yes!! The fourth batting point - that could be crucial. Well done Tahir and Tommo!

With Hants now 313/8 and Essex 191/3 I'm suspecting we're gonna have to win this match; however, tomorrow morning will be interesting! Coles has been very poor with the bat recently

Wood's first 3 scoring shots 4 4 6. Hants 300/6 Ervine 103 n/o

Ok, cheers Weston, so a draw and maximum bonus points for Hants will see us over the line, so long as Essex score less than 350 in 110 overs ... I think?

Can someone remind me what happens if we finish with the same amount of points as Essex?

Who says 4 day cricket is boring

Great effort so far by Vince and Ervine. Keep it going fellas!

Hants 91/5 at lunch One thing looks fairly certain imo: neither of these matches will end as draws

You were right about Worcs Steve - 84 all out. Looks like Vince and Ervine trying to take the game to Glamorgan

Makes me wonder about Adams deciding to bat first

The stuff of nightmares so far this morning

Hants 50/3. Adams gone - I don't think my nerves can take much more of this

I'm just hoping the Chelmsford pitch is a real stinker for both sides, meaning that Essex will also struggle to get batting points.

Commentary doesn't seem to be working on the normal BBC site atm Worcs 31/6 ffs. Starting to look like we may have to win our match Or, perhaps Essex have prepared a dodgy pitch and will be deducted points!

Hants 17/2, Worcs 23/3 Not the best of starts