An impressive half-century from Derek Kenway and a great all-round performance in the field guided Hampshire to an easy 79-run victory over Sussex to lift them to second in Division Two of the NUL.

Kenway's innings of 76, his second half-century in his last three innings in this competition, included seven crisply struck fours, and laid the foundation for Hampshire to total 231-7 from their 45 overs with Jason Laney and Robin Smith providing valuable support.

Sussex never recovered from losing opener Murray Goodwin to the second ball of their reply and, after slumping to 83-6, were eventually all-out for 152 as Hampshire cruised to an easy win in their first ever floodlit game at the Rose Bowl.

Goodwin edged a magnificent delivery from Alan Mullally to former Zimbabwean colleague Neil Johnson who took a good catch, low down at slip.

Richard Montgomerie and captain Chris Adams threatened a recovery after adding 34 for the second wicket, but Adams' departure lead to the visitors losing their next four wickets for just 47 runs as the home side took control.

Will House and Mark Davis put on 46 for the seventh wicket as Sussex battled bravely but they were only delaying the inevitable as Shaun Udal and Chris Tremlett returned to mop up the innings, finishing with three wickets apiece.

Hampshire's innings, after Smith had chosen to bat in warm conditions, was centred around Kenway's efforts and good contributions from Laney and Smith.

Kenway added 74 in 13 overs with Laney for the second wicket, and after the latter had been run out by a direct hit, Smith came in to provide the needed impetus.

The former England batsman struck a typically belligerent 38 off 34 balls, including a memorable six off Adams, as he lifted his opposite number straight back over his head and into the stands to the delight of the crowd of 5,500.

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