Gareth Batty, the Surrey spin bowler, tore through Hampshire's stubborn defences to lift his side out the Specsavers County Championship relegation zone.

Batty collected six wickets, eight for the match, to give Surrey an important win in their fight against playing in Division Two next year.

Hampshire, however, are staring the drop in the eyes, now cut adrift at the bottom by 30 points after losing by an innings and 13 runs.

Other than a long, time-wasting stand between Will Smith and Ryan McLaren, Surrey snared at regular intervals throughout the day.

In the short term the match will be remembered for its exciting conclusion and importance to the relegation battle.

But the game will live on in the history books, with Surrey's 2,000 first class century being scored by Rory Burns, highest visiting team totals at the Ageas Bowl, club record eighth wicket stand for Surrey and a best ever 10th wicket partnership against Surrey for Hampshire - all broken in this match.

Another was Hampshire's highest total and still being forced to follow-on, completed when Brad Wheal was run out in the morning, 45 minutes into the session.

It ended a 96 run stand with century maker Lewis McManus - who walked off with his highest first-class score of 132 not out.

Hampshire were still 84 overs away from earning a well fought draw, and still 214 behind Surrey's mammoth first innings score of 637.

Smith and Jimmy Adams had no interest in scoring runs at any rate, adding 26 in almost 14 overs for the first wicket before the latter edged behind.

Tom Alsop came and went using up 12 balls, to start the longest stand of the day between Smith and McLaren.

The duo added 69 but more importantly used up 26.3 overs, Smith in shell mode with a 133 ball 28.

Batty ended the frustration by bowling Smith through his legs, before Adam Wheater shrugged his arms at a Meaker delivery which reversed back.

Sean Ervine was caught flicking a defensive shot to Aaron Finch at leg slip. Meanwhile McLaren was plugging away and reached fifty in 86 balls.

Batty had McLaren caught by Dominic Sibley at silly point and after 77 was added between McManus and Gareth Berg.

But Batty came alive to grab his fifth, McManus lbw, before Gareth Andrew turned the spinner's frown around, caught by Finch. Batty ending with figures of six for 51.

Meaker sunk to his knees after trapping Berg for 38 before Mason Crane was bounced out by the fast bowler - who ended with four wickets.

Hampshire had lost four wickets for three runs as Surrey won for the second time this season.

Surrey captain Gareth Batty: "It was a very flat wicket. Total credit to the young lad McManus he made it very hard but for us to get over the line was a monumental effort from everyone. It was very hard graft for the 200 odd overs we fielded for.

"The boys looked after each other, even in the last few overs Sammy Curran is diving to save boundaries and Sibs is running his legs off. Everybody to a man was magnificent doing the little things which go unnoticed. It is monumental what everyone was doing for each other.

"We've got a wonderful coach and wonderful bunch behind us and a great bunch of cricketers. Everyone deserves credit. 100 percent eleven blokes and management deserve it. It is a team thing."

Hampshire captain Will Smith: "You have to get over the line whether you are trying to draw a game or win a game and it is evidenced here on many occasions you have to go right to the end. "We've had a few scrap home wins and draws in the last hour here which is the sign of a good game of cricket.

"We are bitterly disappointed we couldn't get over the line and get the extra five points. Points are crucial in our situation. They probably had the best of the conditions and the best of the toss but we battled manfully. The last day things can happen very quickly and they did.

"When we were made to follow on we knew 80 odd overs were a long way to bat on a day four wickets but we felt if we could get to tea two or three down we would have a decent chance. But we were couple more down but going into the last hour we still thought we had a real chance.

"Credit to Surrey and they deserved the victory. They set out to get a massive total and then bowl us out twice and they never wavered from it. We don't want to lose any game in any competition and every game in four days cricket now is very important.

"The fact Surrey were in and amongst us means they have gained points and we have lost them, so it is disappointing."

TEA REPORT

Will Smith and Ryan McLaren frustrated Surrey, but the visitors added two afternoon wickets to keep the dream of a win alive.

Smith had added 69 runs with McLaren in an attritional stint at the crease.

The Hampshire skipper scored 28 in a marathon spell in which he faced 133 balls - before he finally departed when we was bowled by Gareth Batty.

Runs are unimportant for Hampshire, although they still trail by 107, but McLaren notched fifty in a comparatively whirlwind 86 deliveries.

He remained unbeaten on 50 at tea, but lost Adam Wheater to the final ball of the session as Stuart Meaker got one to reverse - bowling Wheater with the batsman refusing to play a shot.

Surrey still need six wickets to win, Hampshire a session to save a draw.

LUNCH REPORT

Hampshire lost just two of their 11 day four wickets to continue their quest of saving a draw against relegation rivals Surrey.

Day three century maker Lewis McManus continued his exploits by set a new record for the 10th wicket for Hampshire against Surrey with Brad Wheal.

The pair had frustrated the visitors on the previous evening and continued to irate the Surrey attack - moving to a stand of 96.

But the first innings was finally ended by a fantastic run out by Aaron Finch at point.

Gareth Batty enforced the follow on, with Hampshire still trailing by 214, but was faced by stoic batting by Will Smith, Jimmy Adams and Tom Alsop.

Adams was the only man to go, edging a drive behind off Stuart Meaker, using up 44 balls. Skipper Smith is 10 from 54 deliveries as Hampshire have 66 more overs to bat out.

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