The Seniors seemed to be suffering from a hangover following their exploits in Jersey earlier in the week as they slumped to a dismal 9 wicket defeat against a strong Somerset outfit at North Perrott in another rain affected match. 

Losing the toss, Hampshire batted first and soon lost openers Barry Goodman & Ian Britton before rain intervened after 14 overs. A 90 minute break saw tea taken – thereafter the Seniors slumped to 67-5 with only Mike Swain (24) making any impression against a tight Somerset bowling attack. Paul Kerley (36) made a useful contribution but wickets continued to fall, the innings closing on 138-9 from 45 overs. 

Another rain delay meant Somerset requiring a reduced target of only 87 runs from 28 overs. A rain sodden outfield meant the odds were stacked against the Seniors as the Somerset top order (Stephenson 40* & Ashton 29*) quickly achieved their objective for the loss of one wicket in the 17^th over. A disappointing and frustrating day. 

The Seniors travel to Swindon on Thursday 12 July & then take on the Isle of Wight at Lymington on Sunday 15^th July in their final two Group games.

  Report by Dick Batchelor.

  Scoreboard details here