Hampshire v Essex Hawks
D40 Quest South
Utilita Bowl Nursery Ground
Essex Hawks: James Ward, Joe Moss, Conor Berry, Matthew Edwards, Alfie Jeeves, Benny Fryatt, Jack Flowers, Ben Aust, Martin Henderson, Matthew Thomas, Amara Law, Billy Law
Hampshire: Henry Schooling, Thomas Millward, Kevin Cooper, Ben Williams, Samuel Godfrey, James Boorah, William Hausen, Alex Macadam, Freddie Leamon, Henri Abel, Bailey Loveless
Match Details:
Umpires: Andy Burgess and Andy White
Scorers: Andrew Leamon and Mike Stephenson
Surrey: 334/5 (40 overs)
Essex Hawks: 181 (35.4 overs)
Toss: Hampshire won the toss and elected to bat
Result: Hampshire won by 153 runs
Pictured – Essex Hawks captain & wicketkeeper James Ward. Photo credit: @davebodymore
Match Report:
Essex Hawks were once again left to pick out the positives after suffering a 153-run D40 Quest South defeat at the hands of a powerful Hampshire side in a match staged on the Utilita Bowl Nursery Ground.
With Hampshire facing Worcestershire in close proximity, spectators drifted between the two fixtures, particularly during the lunch and tea intervals, providing their support, encouragement and enthusiasm. Although at first glance, this was another sizable defeat for Essex, there were notable areas of improvement.
Hampshire posted a formidable 334 for five, with Samuel Godfrey hitting an unbeaten 101* off just 44 balls during a stay at the crease that lasted just over an hour. Kevin Cooper contributed 79 before becoming one of three victims for Alfie Jeeves. The leg-break bowler finished with figures of 8-1-48-3, while Matt Thomas and Martin Henderson also broke through with the ball.
Essex lost wickets regularly, with Alex MacAdam (6-1-28-5) doing the bulk of the damage. However, Joe Moss scored 90 off 85. His innings included thirteen 4s and three 6s. Seventeen-year-old Amara Law deserves huge credit for rebuffing some fearsome Hampshire bowling. Despite not troubling the scorers, she faced 34 deliveries during 33 minutes in the middle, supporting Moss ably.
Indeed, their tenth-wicket stand gleaned 55 runs. Both players’ efforts were appreciated by their teammates at the conclusion.
Jack Flowers returned to the team, offering a vibrant energy. Essex Hawks return to D40 Quest South action on Sunday, July 6, when they face Sussex at Ansty Cricket Club, Heywards Heath (1 pm).
Pictured – Essex batter Amara Law. Photo credit: @davebodymore
