JAMES Tomlinson believes Hampshire can take heart from their first match back in the LV County Championship’s first division – whatever the result.

Hampshire will begin the final day needed 197 to win with six wickets in hand after a gutsy fight back against a strong Sussex side.

Tomlinson, who took 4-37, said: “We could have folded and be chasing millions but we’re very much in this game, which is a great effort considering where we were this time on Monday night (220-9 in reply to Sussex’s 444).

“We have a definite chance because the weather’s good, the wicket’s excellent and the ball’s old.

“But we have to bat remarkably well against a very pumped up Sussex side. They really did bully us on day two but we’ve fought back really well.

“Full credit to our players, I thought we were brilliant. Wherever this game goes now I think we’ve shown the fight required for the first division.

“The last few days have been an unbelievable cricketing lesson for everyone out there and we showed spirit that bodes well for the rest of the season.”