YORKSHIRE have achieved a record 265-point haul in an LV= County Championship Division One campaign after beating Hampshire by five wickets at the Ageas Bowl.

A 20th career first-class century for captain Andrew Gale contributed to reeling in a final day target of 304, with Jack Leaning also adding a crucial 76 as the pair recovered from morning trouble at 37-3.

They shared 190 inside 61 overs for the fourth wicket through until early evening, with Gale finishing with a combative 125.

The day had started with Gale and opposite number James Vince agreeing to manufacture a run chase after rain played a significant part during the first three days.

Yorkshire, at 97-4 replying to 400-9 declared, agreed to declare before play. Hampshire then forfeited their second innings to come up with a challenging target.

Hampshire wanted Yorkshire to chase 320-330 and Yorkshire wanted a 280 target, hence the compromise.

This win, by five wickets, was Yorkshire’s tenth Championship success of the season and leaves them needing to beat Sussex at Headingley next week in order to win more matches than any county has managed in two-division cricket.

They also need only two more points to secure a record haul in either division of the Championship since that format was introduced in 2000.

For Hampshire, defeat almost certainly relegates them. Being 16 points from safety, they must hope to beat Notts at Trent Bridge next week and for Sussex and Somerset to slip up badly.

Gale reached his third hundred of the season off 193 balls shortly before Leaning edged West Indies quick Fidel Edwards behind to leave the score at 227-4 with 77 required.

This was the 21-year-old right-hander’s highest score since his 110 against Nottinghamshire in late June.

Hampshire had their tails up in the morning following the cheap dismissals of Alex Lees, Adam Lyth and Gary Ballance. But Gale and Leaning were superb.

When Gale pulled Edwards to deep square-leg, Yorkshire were 264-4 in the 83rd over with 40 required. Tim Bresnan finished with 35 not out.