Hampshire's second XI put in a sound display at the start of their four day game against England's under-19 starlets, a fixture awarded to the winners of the 2nd X1 Championship, writes Iain Brunnschweiler.

The day's play was the first under the gaze of the new pavilion that figure-heads the southern end of The Rose Bowl.

And this fantastic structure was treated to two of the game's most desired feats within its first two sessions - namely a hat-trick, and a century.

Giles White was Hampshire's hero, as he struck a fine 118, which featured 12 fours and a six, despite witnessing from the non-strikers end the tumbling of three wickets in consecutive balls at the hands of Alex Wagg.

The home side were asked to bat on a wicket that looked as if it may offer some early assistance for the bowlers.

And when their captain, Jason Laney, fell in the first over for six, the decision looked to be vindicated.

However, this brought Lawrence Prittipaul to the crease to join White, and the pair put on 137 in good time against some ill-disciplined bowling.

Prittipaul was in imperious form, striking the ball cleanly from the word go, and would have been disappointed not to take his tally further than 67.

Chris Benham batted tidily for 24 and he, along with White took the score to 212, before Wagg came up with his treble strike.

Some useful contributions from the middle and lower order helped the total up to an excellent 376, and their was time for just one ball of England's reply, before rain intervened.