HAMPSHIRE V SUSSEX

Hampshire 50+ vs Sussex 50+
Wednesday 29 April 2009 at IBM Hursley
ECB 50+ Friendly

Hampshire 226-7
Sussex       206-9
Hampshire won by 20 runs

IBM Hursley played host to the Seniors when they entertained Sussex in their traditional pre-season friendly.

Electing to bat first on a drying track the Seniors openers Tony Oxley & Brian Hart made a steady start putting on 41 for the first wicket before Hart (9) was bowled in the 12th over. Oxley (34) followed and with the departure of Tony Adams (6), skipper Ian Britton (15) and Chris Wood (11) the Seniors were struggling at 94-5. Pete Doust & Barry Goodman put on 52 for the 6th wicket as conditions improved before Goodman (23) was bowled. Guy “Teflon” Clifford (4) soon departed leaving the score at 156-7 with a mere 7 overs remaining. Barry Newton then strode to the wicket to transform the game and with young Doust in full flow they accelerated the total to 226 – Newton contributing 39 unbeaten off 25 balls & Doust a well constructed 65 not out.

In reply the Sussex openers Seager & Cole looked comfortable with a century opening stand before Pat Wickson eventually trapped Cole (44). Having broken through, wickets began to fall regularly with Chris Wood & Doust bowling steadily. Seager (93) continued to be a thorn in the side smashing 6 sixes before falling to Doust. The new “slimline” Steve Mitchell, who had only conceded 13 runs in his opening spell, returned to end any hopes of a Sussex revival finishing with an impressive 5-24 (just after wife Ruth had left to make the tea!!). He was well supported in the field; in particular a stunning effort from webmaster Hart - a stalwart of the 60+ X1. Rolling back the years, he leapt like a salmon taking a fly to pouch a fine catch at mid wicket in the gathering gloom – a truly champagne moment!

The Seniors ended comfortable winners of an enjoyable encounter which bodes well for the season ahead.

Dick Batchelor - Scorer

scoreboard