Hampshire v Norfolk

Hampshire's interest in the 2006 Championship was ended by Norfolk when they lost by 7 runs in a below par performance at Paultons. After winning the toss, Hants invited Norfolk to bat and Trevor Foreman had skipper Thomas caught at slip by Jim Smallbone without scoring. Steve Mitchell then had opener Pearse caught behind by John Harris and the visitors were 31-2. However Harwood (53) and Lund (51) made a good recovery. A quickfire 39 from Mack (19 balls inc 4x6) against indifferent Hants bowling with good allround support enabled Norfolk to accelerate, adding 118 off the last 13 overs - they closed on a formidable 265 for the loss of 7 wickets.

In reply, Hants soon lost Martin Hall lbw. Mike Swain  and Alan Wright then fell cheaply to Tuck & Hants were in trouble at 39-3. Steve Mitchell joined Harris and they put on 72 for the 4th wicket before Mitchell was caught for a hard hitting 38. It was left to Harris & Tony Adams to claw Hants back into the game and then disaster struck with Harris being run out for 81 off a no ball. A spirited innings by Adams came to an end when he was bowled for 48 soon followed by Tiplady. The tail wagged but resistance was ended. Smallbone was bowled off the penultimate ball leaving Hants 7 runs short of victory.

Another campaign ends in a feeling of general disappointment & underachievement when it really matters.

Report by Dick Batchelor  

Hampshire stats

Batsman                     How Out                   Total

John Harris                   run out                          81

Martin Hall                   lbw                               11                                

Mike Swain                  caught                            8

Alan Wright                  caught                            1                   

Steve Mitchell               caught                           38

Tony Adams                 bowled                         48

Mark Tiplady               caught                           12

Andy Yorke                 not out                          13                   

Andy Pryce                  caught                            8                                 

Trevor Foreman           bowled                          5

Jim Smallbone              bowled                         13                     

Total  (Extras 20 44.5 overs)   258

Bowlers

Steve Mitchell            9.0       1          55        2

Trevor Foreman        6.0       1          21        1 

Andy Pryce               4.0                   25        0 

Mark Tiplady            9.0                   37        1

Mike Swain               8.0                   41        1

Andy Yorke              5.0                   39        0                     

Jim Smallbone           4.0                   31        2

Byes                                                 16                   

Totals                      45.0       2        265       7