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Page last updated at 13:43 GMT, Saturday, 19 July 2008 14:43 UK

Rayner spell seals Hampshire fate

County Championship D1, Arundel, day four:
Sussex 426 & 11-0 beat Hampshire 257 & 179 by 10 wickets

Sussex 22 pts, Hampshire 5

Off-spinner Ollie Rayner took 5-49 as defending champions Sussex secured only their second win of the summer, beating Hampshire by 10 wickets at Arundel.

The visitors were all out for 179 as the 22-year-old produced the best figures of his career.

Rayner was well supported by seam bowler Corey Collymore (2-41), who had top scorer Nic Pothas caught for 44.

Hampshire at least avoided an innings loss but Sussex took just seven balls to make the 11 runs needed for victory.

They expect to have star leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed back from injury next month, but Rayner does not intend to give up his place without a fight.

"Losing Mushy is a blow for us, but it gives an opportunity for a young spinner to show what he can do and fortunately I have done enough to secure that spot at the moment.

"I know how much is at stake so I spent the winter working hard my game and I feel I am reaping the rewards now," said Rayner.

After keeping Sussex waiting for their first success of the day, Hampshire lost their last three wickets for just 18 runs.

Pothas paid the price for chasing a wide delivery when keeper Matt Prior dived to his right to take the catch and Collymore made it a double breathrough when David Balcombe was taken at slip by Chris Adams.

Hampshire skipper Dimitri Mascarenhas reined in his attacking instincts, making 22 in 79 minutes, but he was the last man to go when Rayner had him caught at short leg.

"This is a big season for me in terms of my future.

"There is a possibility that Mushy won't be around for too much longer, so it is crunch time if I want to make a place in the side my own," Rayner added.




see also
Hampshire stung by Rayner's spin
18 Jul 08 |  Counties
Hampshire fold to Sussex bowlers
17 Jul 08 |  Counties
Hampshire hit by Sussex fightback
16 Jul 08 |  Counties


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