JAMES Vince is enjoying the best run of his career – but is yet to hit top form.

That was Jimmy Adams’ warning to the rest of the LV County Championship’s second division after Vince continued his Bradmanesque form against Surrey at The Ageas Bowl.

Vince overtook Ian Bell as the country’s leading first-class run scorer, by making 159 (185 balls, 24 fours) to take his aggregate to 441 at 110.25.

He was finally beaten when Tom Curran found some extra bounce and late movement with the second new ball.

Since last August, Vince has made 974 Championship runs at 108.2.

But Hampshire captain Adams said: “There are still times when Vincey feels he’s not hitting it as well as he can! He wants to get a bit more ‘feel’ but if I could bat like that when I’m not 100 per cent it would be lovely!

“Being able to perform when you’re not feeling at the top of your game is a great place to be.”

Hampshire declared at 400-6, having gained maximum batting points, Michael Bates impressing with a fluent 28 not out.

James Tomlinson, making his 100th first-class appearance, took the big wicket of Graeme Smith. But Hampshire missed out on a bowling point as Surrey made 86-2 and have been replaced at the top of division two by Worcestershire.