Division One leaders Somerset faced stiff resistance from Hampshire on the second day at the Utilita Bowl. Despite losing seven wickets for 113 runs, Somerset was bowled out for 288, only to see their 50-run lead evaporate in Hampshire's second innings.
Hampshire reached 146 for one, taking a 96-run lead, with Nick Gubbins scoring an unbeaten 70. England hopeful James Rew was the first to fall, scoring 86 in the morning session, but his Test ambitions were praised by head coach Jason Kerr. Kerr believes Rew has the potential to play international cricket, having scored a significant number of runs over the years. Although Kerr has not used Rew as an opener, he thinks Rew's talent should be considered for the national team.
In other matches, Essex and Warwickshire were evenly matched at Edgbaston, while in Division Two, Gloucestershire's clash with Lancashire saw 23 wickets fall in two days. Lancashire took control, but Gloucestershire fought back, trailing by 46 runs.
Meanwhile, an unbroken partnership between Nathan McSweeney and James Sales kept Northamptonshire in the running against Middlesex.