A sensational spell of bowling by Ryan ten Doeschate lead Essex to a thrilling victory over Hampshire with only one ball to spare.

ten Doeschate took 5-13 to give Essex the perfect start to life back in LV= County Championship division one.

Essex were earlier bowled out for 256 in their second innings, setting Hampshire a target of 248 to win in a minimum of 48 overs on the final day at The Ford County Ground, Chelmsford.

Tom Westley top-scored for Essex with 69, but was unable to add to his overnight total. ten Doeschate also starred with the bat and was left high and dry on 66 not out.

Hampshire started slowly in reply, making their way to 34 without loss at tea. But the excitement levels were cranked up after the interval, as Hampshire increased the pace, but lost wickets as a result.

At 170 for four they looked well placed, only for ten Doeschate to take a burst of three wickets in three overs.

The Dutchman then took the ninth wicket to fall with the score on 185 and 16 deliveries of the match left.

As the game edged towards a draw and entered its final over, ten Doeschate had David Griffiths caught at short fine-leg by David Masters to win it.