MATT Coles took four wickets after Jimmy Adams and Joe Gatting scored half-centuries during Hampshire’s productive two-day friendly against Sussex at Hove.

Captain Adams (66) and former Sussex batsman Gatting (62) top scored as Hampshire made 249-8, with Will Smith (37) and Adam Wheater (43*) also contributing.

But Michael Carberry was out for two, before England teammate Matt Prior made 99 as Sussex responded with 310-12.

Coles and David Balcombe reduced Sussex to 38-4, helped by sharp slip catches from Sean Ervine and Liam Dawson.

James Tomlinson accounted for Prior before Coles reduced Sussex to 206-8 at tea.

Ruel Brathwaite took his second wicket before highly-rated left-armer Tom Barber claimed three late victims.

Hampshire have a two-day friendly against Middlesex at the Ageas Bowl, starting tomorrow, ahead of the opening game of the season against Worcestershire, which begins on Sunday.