Paul Terry praised Hampshire's Easter bunnies after Ed Giddins and Alan Mullally helped clinch a draw in the championship opener at Worcestershire yesterday.

Giddins and Mullally faced the last eight balls of the match, with Mullally seeing out the whole of the last over from Mark Harrity, includign a last ball bouncer!

It ensured that Hampshire did not lose their first game under first team manager Terry, who said: "It was nice to see Ed and Alan survive out there.

"I wouldn't have been too happy if one of my bowlers had bowled a bouncer at the end but Alan had played him with such aplomb up until then that I guess he just wanted to try something a bit different!"

Worcestershire's new captain Ben Smith's open declaration made all three results possible throughout the evening session

Terry added: "It was an excellent declaration. The wicket's been very good for all four days - there's been a little bit for the seamers and it was taking more turn today, but it was a really good, open declaration.

"Worcestershire will be very strong and very competitive and from our point of view it's been an encouraging start.

"We bowled pretty well and were in quite a good position to win but lost a couple of bad wickets at bad times, it wasn't to be.

"The partnership between Robin and John was pretty important and they came up with the goods and put us into a winning position at tea, when we were probably favourites.

"We had to recharge ourselves but it was probably a fair result in the end.

"We were in the hunt and looking for the win until 'Was' got out - we needed seven or eight an over then and Shaun Udal was our only recognised batsman so that ended our chances.

"It rounded off a great game of cricket, a lot of good things came out of today for both sides. It's important not to lose at all, but especially at Worcester.

"It's disappointing not to win, we will try to win every game. If you can't win the game then you don't want to lose and that's what we've done.

"We're going to show the same sort of attitude at Cardiff. We're going to give Ed as long as we can but Chris Tremlett is now fit and is up for selection.

"One or two of the others have a bit of soreness but we'll wait until tomorrow."