Division Two: Will Smith's unbeaten 142 earns Hampshire draw against Kent

Will Smith's unbeaten 142 saved Hampshire from possible defeat by Kent on the final day of the LV= County Championship match at the Ageas Bowl and earned his side a draw and a crucial five points more in their quest for promotion.

Hampshire, second in Division Two, now go into their final fixture next week at Glamorgan with a precious 10-point lead over third-placed Essex, who clash with leaders Worcestershire in an equally-important decider.

Kent were held up not only by Smith's obduracy but also by rain which washed out any play until 1pm and lost them vital time to complete their domination of the home side over the four days.

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When stumps were drawn, Hampshire were only 92 ahead with Smith and last man James Tomlinson at the crease, having survived 12 overs together to defy a ring of close fielders.

England bowler James Tredwell got through a mammoth 43 overs to finish with figures of 4-110 while Adam Riley's off-spin earned him 4-36 from 19 overs in which he gave little away.

Hampshire should have been able to survive comfortably enough when play resumed after an early lunch. They were 110-1 in their second innings after following on, only 46 in arrears.

Tredwell bowled Liam Dawson for 40 at 128 but the batting surface was still essentially sound and at 178-2, Hampshire appeared to be in no danger after wiping out the deficit.

Hants panic

But from a position of apparent tranquility, there was panic as Hampshire's middle order collapsed and six wickets fell in 10 overs for the addition of 30.

At the close Smith had faced 304 balls and hit 16 fours while Tomlinson, his partner in those nail-biting last few overs, had managed only two singles.

Kent - who rattled up 507, their biggest score of the season, in their only innings - will be disappointed only to have collected 12 points to Hampshire's 10 after being on top from the moment Robert Key won the toss and chose to bat.

Centurion Smith said: "My hundred was right up there with my best in terms of the situation we were in. Batting was tricky against two quality spinners bowling into the rough.

"Tommo hung around when it mattered for the second time in the match to show what a class number 11 he is."