An incredible knock from Tom Alsop (195) and a five-wicket haul for Mason Crane (5-41) helped Hampshire secure a dominant eight-wicket victory over Sussex in the three-day fixture at the Utilita Bowl.

Alsop and the excellent Joe Weatherley (118) shared a 297-run partnershire to ensure the hosts built a large first-innings lead of 135 runs in reply to Sussex’s 367 batting first.

Crane then bowled beautifully to restrict the visitors in their second-innings reply as they were dismissed for 197, before Alsop finished unbeaten as Hampshire chased down the required 65 runs for the loss of just two wickets to claim victory.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sussex faltered early on the opening day as three wickets within the opening session left them 57-3.

However a battling unbeaten century from Callum Jackson (151*) guided Sussex towards a competitive total despite little support from any of the remaining top-order.

An astonishing opening partnership of almost 300 against a strong Sussex bowling attack saw Hampshire close in on the away-sides first-inning’s total before Chris Wood (49) made certain that Hampshire’s lead surpassed 100 before they were dismissed.

Peter Burgoyne (7-171) was the pick of the bowlers for the opposition but the impressive batting effort from the home-side saw a healthy lead built heading into the final day.

Sussex soon found themselves in trouble in their second-innings reply at 128-5, with quick wickets for Weatherley (3-56) and Crane removing a number of key batsman in the opening session.

The duo then combined to remove the tail for the addition of just 69 runs as a superb bowling effort left Hampshire needing less than 70 for an resounding win.

Despite the early loss of Weatherley and Lewis McManus (0), Alsop and Chris Wood (26*) saw Hampshire comfortably home for the loss of just two wickets on the final day to pick up an outstanding victory.