Hampshire v Devon
A much changed Hampshire 50+ X1 slumped to a disappointing 63 run defeat against a rampant Devon side at Bashley.
Electing to bat having won the toss, Devon openers Shepherd & Newing scored freely off the Hampshire opening bowlers before Shepherd (47) was bowled by Mark Tiplady in the 14th over. An excellent spell by Terry Rawlins (9-5-14-1) well supported by Tiplady restricted Devon and after 33 overs the score stood at 145-2. Debutant Barry Goodman claimed two wickets & then Canning strode to the wicket to launch a scintillating attack on the Hampshire bowlers. In an unbroken stand of 111 for the 5th wicket he scored a remarkable 97* off only 37 balls flaying the bowling to all parts. His partner & opener Newing, who carried his bat for an unbeaten 79, scored a mere 6 runs at the other end whilst this carnage ensued. Devon doubled their score in the final 12 overs closing on 292-4.
Hampshire started brightly in reply but needed a big innings to challenge a formidable Devon total. Wickets fell regularly & only debutants Ian Britton (46) & Barry Goodman (41*) together with Mike Swain 34 offered any real resistance. The Seniors innings closed on 229-7 after 45 overs; well short of the required target.
Next Wednesday 30th May the Seniors face an arduos trip to the Channel Islands where a much improved performance will be needed if they are to qualify from the Group stages this year.
