PAUL JOHNSON demonstrated once again why he is one of the most destructive batsmen in the country to help Nottinghamshire build up a commanding position in their County Championship match against leaders Hampshire at Trent Bridge.

Johnson blazed his way to 92 off 69 deliveries to help Notts build up a lead of 332 by the close of the second day.

The former Notts skipper was particularly severe on West Indian paceman Nixon McLean and all-rounder Alex Morris as he hit 19 fours and dominated a stand of 123 with Graeme Archer.

Notts had been in early trouble at 44-3 as they sought to build upon their first-innings lead of 121.

Their seam bowlers had put them in that healthy position by gaining the upper hand from early in the day.

Although Vasbert Drakes made the initial breakthrough, it was a lively burst from Paul Franks which tore the heart out of Hampshire's batting.

The only resistance of note came from former England batsman Robin Smith, who hit nine fours in his 68, made off 117 deliveries.

But Smith eventually became one of two vic-tims for Alex Wharf and with the score at 154-7, Hampshire were in real danger of being forced to follow on.

Morris saw off that threat with some lusty blows before Drakes returned to mop up the tail with two more victims, giving him figures of for 63.

But it was Johnson who produced the highlight of the day with his explosive innings, ensuring that Notts are in a strong position to continue their impressive start under new manager Clive Rice.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.