HAMPSHIRE were frustrated by Paul Grayson who marked his promotion to opener with a career-best 144 not out as Essex ended the day on 327-7 against the PPP Healthcare County Championship leaders at Ilford.

The 28-year-old Yorkshireman, who stepped up the order because Paul Prichard was ruled out with a wrist injury, responded by holding the innings together to claim his first century for two years.

Grayson, who last opened 12 months ago, excelled with some superb driving off both front and back foot. He moved into three figures with 15 boundaries and added a further five before the close in an effort which has so far spanned 235 balls.

It was just as well Grayson was in such good form because, apart from Stuart Law, the rest of the top order failed to make much impression after Hampshire had elected to bowl first beneath overcast skies. Hampshire had won the toss in a delayed start to the second day of a match whose opening day was washed out without a ball being bowled.

Darren Robinson, Nasser Hussain, who looked disgruntled when given out leg before to Nixon McLean, and Ronnie Irani, all failed to reach double figures while Tim Walton managed just ten runs. McLean and Simon Renshaw inflicted the major damage, Renshaw ending a brief but brilliant contribution from Law.

The Australian star, timing the ball to perfection, gave a masterful exhibition of driving while helping himself to nine boundaries in a half-century which came from 58 deliveries. But after collecting just one more four he was caught down the legside by wicketkeeper Adrian Aymes for 56 trying to glance.

Law's dismissal ended a third-wicket partnership of 85 and Essex were to lose two more quick wickets as they slumped to 148-5.

But Grayson found resolute support from Barry Hyam and Ashley Cowan, both of whom topped 20 in helping to put together half-century partnerships. Mark Ilott also resisted doggedly to end the day unbeaten with 26.

Last summer proved a miserable one for Grayson as he finished with just over 500 first-class runs. This season did not start well for him but he came back to form with a half-century in the last game against Gloucestershire.

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