Clark's ton puts Durham in charge

Day 1Hampshire vs Durham at Utilita Bowl, Durham 330/5 having chosen to bat first

- Alex Smith, ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay

GRAHAM Clark celebrated his fifth Rothesay County Championship century with a pristine innings to put Durham in charge against Hampshire.

Batter Clark led Durham's run surge, having been 82 for four, with partnerships of 124 with Ollie Robinson, who scored 76, and 124 unbroken with George Drissell - who reached close on 58 not out.

Clark - who hadn’t reached three figures since 2023 - ended the day unbeaten on 110, with Durham following up their victory over Worcestershire by totting up 330 for five under the sun at Utilita Bowl.

Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott was the star of the morning session, as his three wickets put Hampshire on top, after Durham had chosen to bat first on a wicket previously used in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition under perfect blue skies.

Emilio Gay - who returned from injury - had played with intent but his heavy hands cost him as he pushed away from his body and edged to second slip after a 16-ball 19.