OXFORDSHIRE v HAMPSHIRE

Any aspirations Hampshire Seniors had of progressing to the Quarter Final stage of the ECB 50+ Competition were shattered when they fell to a comprehensive 89 run defeat at the hands of Oxford in this replayed tie. 

Bowling first in very windy conditions the Seniors once again snared openers Caunce (7) & Tew (6) cheaply, both falling to Barry Goodman. Garner & Cunningham made steady progress before Jim Smallbone bowled Garner (26). At 120-3 after 31 overs the Seniors appeared in control. However Cunningham, top scorer last week upped the tempo - well supported by Evans (20) & Manger (34), they piled on the runs. A weary Cunningham was eventually stumped for what proved to be a match winning 95 runs, Oxford closing on 239-6, virtually doubling their score in the last 14 overs!! 

Ian Britton & Andy Yorke put on 39 for the first wicket before Yorke (11) was caught.

Mike Swain (11), making his first appearance for the Seniors this season, then fell to a loose shot. Debutant Dave Waters then joined Britton – at 112-2 off 24 overs the Seniors, with wickets in hand, looked set to accelerate towards the Oxford total. However the roof then fell in! Britton (52) was caught behind when he top edged an intended sweep. Waters (29) immediately holed out to mid wicket: Chris Wood & Goodman soon followed in what became a procession. Only injured skipper, Alan Wright (20) provided token resistance before being last man out – a collapse of monumental proportions – the Seniors ending 89 runs adrift. 

A disappointing end to what can only be described as a patchy season with lack of consistency in performances, across the board, a key factor.

Dick Batchelor - Scorer

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