Robin Smith continued his impressive start to the season - despite a family health scare in the Rose Bowl stands.

Smith's mum, Joy, a diabetic, had to be treated while her son was at the crease.

Chairman Rod Bransgrove and manager Paul Terry were among those who went to Mrs Smith's aid but her son was left with little choice but to bat on, before falling eight runs short of his first ton of the season.

Smith, who left the field during a similar incident against Leicestershire at Grace Road last season, said: "It was very worrying and has never happened while I've been batting before.

"I'm very close to my mum and didn't like seeing her like that, it was a distraction but she had lots of support and she's fine now."

Smith came in at the fall of the first wicket, as he did 24 hours earlier against Sussex when he made 44.

At times he was the Smith of old. His first fifty came from 95 balls but his last 42 runs came at more than a run a ball. He was at the crease for more than two and a half hours and struck 11 boundaries, including three in succession off Simon Cook, the second of which was pulled with contempt to bring up the 150.

Smith added: "I batted really well but it's early season and I'm never one to get too complacent.

"I'm delighted with my early season form but I'm going to continue working hard and I hope things continue to go for me.

"I've worked hard in pre season and am thrilled that things are going for me."

Smith's mixed day continued after he was out heaving across the line in the last over, when in sight of the 11th National League ton of his career.

A bumper testimonial collection was offset by defeat off the last ball. He added: "It was a thrilling game, I don't think we really deserved to lose, we controlled most of the game but one outstanding over from Abdul Razzaq changed the balance of the game.

"Everyone gave 100 per cent and you can't ask any more than that. If we play cricket like that for the rest of the season we'll have a good year, it could still have gone either way right at the end."

Smith added: "I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to my testimonial, I wasn't able to thank them over the tannoy but it was very humbling."