With relegation almost a certainty, Hampshire's batsmen restored some pride as their clash with Sussex headed towards a draw at Hove, Jason Laney leading the way with 89.

Bowlers struggled again on a pitch which has so far produced only 10 wickets as Hampshire slowly worked their way to 276 for four in reply to Sussex's first innings 631.

Resuming on 69 for one once play began at 1215BST, opener Laney and James Adams were able to make steady progress on a wicket which posed little danger.

They added 27 runs before lunch and continued in similar vein during the afternoon to put Hampshire on course for maximum batting points.

Their 139-run partnership was finally ended just before tea when Laney played down the wrong line to James Kirtley, falling leg before 11 runs short of his century.

Hampshire went into tea at 212 for two but were reduced to 213 for four as Kirtley struck again after the break.

New batsman Will Kendall succumbed to the Sussex vice-captain's pace and was bowled for four.

And then played back to a shorter ball but could only edge a catch to Tim Ambrose at first slip, departing for 48.

But captain Robin Smith and John Francis steadied the ship, adding an unbroken 63 before the close to frustrate Sussex' drive for bowling bonus points to avoid the drop themselves.

Sussex: R R Montgomerie, M W Goodwin, P A Cottey, C J Adams (Capt), T R Ambrose, R S C Martin-Jenkins, M J Prior (Wkt), K J Innes, M J G Davis, R J Kirtley, B V Taylor.

Hampshire: J S Laney, N C Johnson, J H K Adams, R A Smith (Capt), J D Francis, W S Kendall, N Pothas (Wkt), A D Mascarenhas, S D Udal, A D Mullally, J A Tomlinson.

Umpires: V A Holder and B Leadbeater