Northants enjoy good day with bat and ball as they begin pre-season campaign

Tom Taylor claims one of his two wickets against Hampshire (Pictures: Peter Short)

After rain had delayed the scheduled 10.30am start until the early afternoon, the County seamers made hay as they reduced the home side to 81 for five before they declared.

That allowed the Northants batsmen to get out in the middle, and they impressed as they eased to 102 for two in 25 overs, although both 'wickets' were retirements.

The bowling attack impressed, with Tom Taylor marking his first red-ball appearance for the club with two early wickets, dismissing both openers, and he went on to finish with two for 26 from seven overs.

Gareth Berg also claimed two wickets, dismissing Sam Northeast and Liam Dawson as he ended with two for 18 from five overs, while Ben Sanderson claimed one for 18 from eight tight overs.

Hampshire declared after 25 overs, leaving Northants the same amount of time to bat, and openers Ricardo Vasconcelos and Ben Curran made it look a lot easier than their hosts had done.

Both retired their innings after 85 minutes play, with Curran on 45 from 77 balls and Vasconcelos on 30 from 44. Curran's innings included six fours and two sixes.

Alex Wakely (12no) and Charlie Thurston (12no) then saw things out until the close.

The two teams will start again on Friday morning, and will be hping for some better weather.