FIDEL Edwards produced a brutal evening spell of fast bowling to take two vital wickets on a rain-affected third day between Hampshire and Essex in the County Championship.

The West Indian bowled a six over stint, which produced figures of 2-15, after Dan Lawrence had notched his third century of the season.

Only eight unproductive overs, which saw Essex only add 18 runs to their total, were able to be completed before rain washed out the majority of the day.

A late 12 over burst started badly for Essex, as Ravi Bopara was dismissed by Edwards on just the first ball following the restart.

Bopara had put on 147, alongside Lawrence, to drag Essex into the lead.

Lawrence completed his seventh first class ton from 207 balls with a firm push down the ground.

But after facing just two more deliveries Edwards dismissed the England Lions batsman.

Jamie Porter entered as night watchman with six overs to go and remained at the crease with Ryan ten Doeschate until the close. Essex will restart this morning having registered a lead of 69 with five second innings wickets remaining.