HAMPSHIRE V DORSET

A formidable batting display led by Peter Tapper & Tony Oxley brushed aside the challenge of arch rivals Dorset in a rain reduced 35 overs game. 

Dorset won the toss, inviting the Seniors to bat & soon regretted their decision as Oxley & Ian Britton (18) rattled up 75 in quick time before Britton departed. Peter Tapper strode to the wicket (new bat in hand) keen to erase the stigma of a duck against the Channel Islands – what followed will stay in the cricketing memory of all who witnessed an imperious display of big hitting. In a 2^nd wicket stand of 174, Tapper scored 121 off 55 balls – at one stage the pair put on 124 in a spell of 7 overs with the awesome Tapper contributing 106 from 30 balls which included 7 consecutive sixes – 66 runs off 13 balls. When Tapper was finally out, caught in the deep, Oxley was able to resume a dominant role, completing a well constructed 101 before being run out. 

The Seniors total of 320 was always going to be beyond Dorset & their task was not helped when both openers were run out. Jim Smallbone (7-1-43-3) took three quick wickets when he was introduced to the attack at which stage Dorset were reduced to 81-6. The tail wagged, Fisher (26) & Norris (63*) putting on 84 for the 7^th wicket but at the finish Dorset were well short. 

A memorable day – Chairman John Rickard could not recall two Seniors batsmen scoring centuries in the same innings & of course the retention of the Hants/Dorset trophy for another year. 

The Seniors visit the Isle of Wight next week Thurs 10 July with their 2008 qualification campaign seemingly back on track. Dick Batchelor - Scorer

Scoreboard