Hampshire let a strong position slip as their Division One match at Durham ended honours even after the first day.

Michael Carberry (78) and Sean Ervine (54) looked in good touch at the crease as they led Hampshire to 159-3.

However, Callum Thorp (5-64) led the way to spark a Hampshire collapse, the visitors losing their last five wickets for 32 runs to finish 239 all out.

Durham then stuttered in their reply, Shane Bond and Chris Tremlett taking a wicket each to leave the hosts 59-2.

And it could have been worse had Michael di Venuto (31 not out) not survived a controversial incident when on six, Michael Lumb claiming a low catch at first slip off Dimitri Mascarenhas, only for the batsman to stand his ground and be given not out.

Thorp - and Ben Harmison - were the stars of the day, though, the latter continuing his good form this season with 3-25 off just 7.2 overs.

Ben's brother Steve, meanwhile, was removed from the attack after four wayward overs in the morning, though he was more impressive in his final spell after tea, ending with figures of 2-58.

And, in the end, Hampshire were grateful to a faultless unbeaten 44 from Nic Pothas, the wicket-keeper helping add 48 for the last two wickets.