HAMPSHIRE V Essex

The Championship final

( see pictures HERE )

The teams assembled at Copdock on Tuesday 9^th. September to play the County 60+ final with the usual gloomy forecast of rain at 4p.m. hanging over them. The crucial toss was won by Essex who put Hampshire into bat. Geoff Owen and Neil Blackey opened and had to fight to get runs on a damp wicket and outfield. After a partnership of 34 Blackey was caught for 12. Martin Hall made a quick 25 before he was bowled for 25. Mickey Swain and Geoff Owen put on 76 when Swain was bowled for 39. With the last 5 overs to go the remaining batsmen took the score to 189 for 7 with Geoff Owen being bowled for 84. 

Essex had a target of 4.2 runs per over should rain stop play. Essex started briskly to try and keep up with the run rate but Hampshire made an early breakthrough when Stan Rudder made a well judged catch off John Hall’s bowling to dismiss the usually prolific Stuck in the second over. Stan Rudder (9-2-19-0) and John Hall (7-1-17-1) once again made it difficult for the batsmen to score. It became increasingly difficult for Stuart Hicks (3-0-29-0), Jim Smallbone (4-0-20-0) and Chris Westbrook (3-0-14-0) to bowl when the rain started at 4p.m. Eventually when the concerned groundsman started up his tractor, ready to pull on the covers, the umpires decided to come off at 4.36p.m. when Essex were on 100 after 26 overs giving them a run rate of 3.84 per over. This in fact proved to be the end of the game which left Hampshire technically the winners.

It was a rather disappointing end to what had been a great season so Hampshire suggested that the trophy should be shared. Geoff Owen received the batsman of the match award for his 84 runs and Ken Johnson of Essex the bowler’s award for his 3 for 33. A presentation was also made to Barry Smith and his wife in appreciation of all they had done to make the 60+ competition such an outstanding success. We have all had an enjoyable first season in the competition and would like to reiterate our thanks to Barry.

Pat Hart – Scorer.

scoreboard