ROWDE'S Tom Alsop hit his maiden first-class century as Hampshire battled gamely on day two against Surrey yesterday as they chased a much-needed victory to retain their first division status in the Specsavers County Championship.

The 20-year-old Wiltshire left-hander was unbeaten on 117 as Hampshire closed on 213 for three at the Kia Oval, 116 behind Surrey's first innings 329.

Alsop looked thrilled and relieved after reaching his ton when a square cut squirmed away from backward point's grasp for two, and well he might.

As the hundred loomed and the shadows lengthened he had become increasingly nervous and might have been dismissed on three occasions.

Having sped serenely to 55 off 60 balls, the England Under-19 batsman was then becalmed for 40 deliveries as Surrey gave him less width.

He began scoring again but was dropped in the slips off Stuart Meaker by Steven Davis on 72, put down again at cover by Sam Curran on 92 - a much harder chance following a miscued drive at Gareth Batty - then, on the same score, almost run out by a piece of smart fielding by Dominic Sibley.

Having finally attained three figures, from 169 balls with 17 fours, he relaxed and was still there at the close.

Alsop was given good support by Will Smith, who battled through a demanding opening spell from Tom Curran that claimed Jimmy Adams, but was then dismissed for 49, and later Sean Ervine, who was 30 not out at stumps.