HAMPSHIRE SENIORS 2008 REVIEW

As in 2007, the Seniors bowed out of the ECB 50+ competition to the eventual winners - this time against Oxford . However this was scant consolation and failed to mask what was really a disappointing season interrupted by inclement weather and marked by inconsistent performances. Fixtures against Devon and Wiltshire were postponed before the Seniors campaign finally got underway - this resulted in a shock defeat away to Cornwall . It was the end of June before the next game - a comprehensive win over the Channel Islands .

The highlight of the season was undoubtedly when old adversaries Dorset were defeated by 135 runs. The Seniors amassed 320-3 from a rain reduced 35 overs. Tony Oxley scored 101 but was somewhat overshadowed by an awesome knock of 121 by Peter Tapper from only 55 balls including 7 consecutive sixes. This feat received widespread coverage including a feature in the England vs South Africa Edgbaston Test Match programme. A good win over Devon followed before Group Winners Somerset totally outplayed the Seniors, administering a 121 run defeat. A final over victory against Wiltshire when the game seemed out of reach meant the Seniors finished Group runners up. Travelling to Oxford in the round of the last 16, a nerve jangling tied game ensued. Chasing a rain reduced target of 101 runs to win from 20 overs, the Seniors managed to score precisely 100 to tie the game throwing away a golden opportunity to progress. It might be argued that a moment of divine intervention by the Oxford skipper, the Reverend Wingfield-Digby, when he objected to Tony Oxley batting with a runner, was a key factor. Nevertheless Lord’s decreed the game be replayed and the rest is history!

By contrast, the 60+ team enjoyed an all conquering season. Competing for the first time in the Shepherd Neame 60+ Home Counties Championship against nine other Counties, great credit must go to Gil Collins boys who won every league fixture and friendly match played. The competition provides for a play off against the top two teams but unfortunately the final against Essex at Copdock, Suffolk was curtailed by the rain. A close finish looked in prospect and whilst Hampshire were technically the winners on faster run rate, in the spirit of the competition it was agreed that the trophy be shared. Veteran batsmen Geoff Owen and Mike Swain jointly scored over 1000 runs both averaging in excess of 100 - a remarkable effort. With bowlers Gil Collins, Stan Rudder, Chris Westbrook and John Hall also being consistent wicket takers, the team swept all before them in a memorable season.

The Seniors 50+ 2 nd X1 played several friendly fixtures and it is hoped they can participate in a formal competition next season. Seniors cricket in Hampshire is now formally constituted as the “Hampshire Seniors Cricket Club” affiliated to the England & Wales Cricket Board and the Hampshire Cricket Board. Come and join us if you are old enough!!

Dick Batchelor - Scorer