Hampshire v Leicestershire: Angus Robson gives visitors the edge

Robson (right) has hit 972 runs so far in the County Championship this year

Leicestershire opener Angus Robson hit his maiden first-class hundred as the visitors edged promotion-chasing Hampshire on day one at Southampton.

The away side were reduced to 58-3 as Matt Coles (3-106) and Chris Wood (1-33) made early inroads.

Robson, 22, then shared a 116-run fourth-wicket partnership with captain Josh Cobb (52) before falling to James Tomlinson (2-59) for 115.

Spinner Liam Dawson took two late scalps as the visitors closed on 301-9.

Leicestershire, who have yet to win a Championship match this season, were indebted to Robson, whose century came off 216 balls and included 15 fours.

He had made 126 in a tour match against India in late June, but that game did not have first-class status as both sides used more than 11 players.

Despite a challenging day in the field, Hampshire picked up maximum bowling points as they attempt to remain in second place in Division Two ahead of Surrey, who were eight points behind them at the beginning of the match.

Hampshire captain Jimmy Adams:

"It was a shared day. If we can knock over the last pair early tomorrow we would have the edge.

"Five wickets after tea was perfect for us and took away the advantage they had at 249-4.

"If we had taken one or two chances we might have limited them to 250."

Leicestershire batsman Angus Robson:

"It was a great day for me. I am thrilled to get my first century.

"Hampshire bowled well all day and they made us work for our runs. We had to rein in ourselves in terms of shot selection.

"There were periods when I was stuck for runs so patience was the key.

"When I got into the nineties I tried to relax. It was good to have Niall out there keeping me calm."

BBC Radio Solent's Kevan James:

"Hampshire captain Jimmy Adams said at close of play that honours were just about even after the first day.

"Despite there being a green tinge to the wicket, spinners Danny Briggs and Liam Dawson bowled 34 overs between them taking 3-61.

"It wasn't that the seamers bowled badly, it was more that the wicket was more benign than its appearance suggested it might."

BBC Radio Leicester's Richard Rae:

"Neither team will be unhappy after a balanced first day, with the highlight for Leicestershire very much Angus Robson recording a maiden first-class century after previously passing 50 eight times this season.

"Hampshire bowled well, and the 22-year-old younger brother of England Test opener Sam, gave an impressive demonstration of patience and technique.

"Having chosen to bat, it was very important the Foxes passed 300, and for that they had Charlie Shreck to thank.

"Shreck has improved his batting enormously and has now scored more than 250 Championship runs in 2014 - having amassed 351 in total over the previous 11 years."