HAMPSHIRE trialist Ryan Stevenson continued to impress with an excellent all-round performance, against Kent in the Second Eleven Championship.

The Devon all-rounder had his trial extended by Hampshire after a promising debut.

And he showed what he is capable of on the first day of Hampshire’s three-day game against Kent at Polo Farm, Canterbury.

After making a brisk 32 (40 balls) in Hampshire’s 277 all out, he took four wickets in nine balls during an outstanding new-ball spell (7-2-19-4).

The 23 year-old's victims included Kent first-teamer Fabian Cowdrey and he was twice on a hat-trick as the home side was reduced to 18-4 before closing on 94-9, with Aussie Ian Holland, a Northern Premier League all-rounder, taking 5-12.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: “Ryan has really impressed, he’s an exciting prospect and a good all-round cricketer.

“He’s a raw talent and we see a lot of potential in him. He went to university in the States to play golf, which was his main sport.

“But he’s come back recently and decided to focus on cricket. He used to play for his dad’s village side but has been doing very well in his first season with Torquay in the Devon Premier League.

“He hits a good ball and has a fluid bowling action with enough pace. There’s a lot of potential for our coaches to work with.”