Hampshire Hawks achieve double over Essex Eagles.

Half centuries from Robin Smith and Derek Kenway allowed Hampshire Hawks to win their third Norwich Union National League match in four, with some style, by beating Essex Eagles comfortably at Castle Park, Colchester. Completing the seasons double over their opponents.

Essex choosing to bat first on a dry wicket that caused some uneven bounce early on, were soon in trouble to Mascarenhas, as both openers were dismissed, Prichard edged to the wicket-keeper and the dangerous Stuart Law had his leg stump dislodged by as the ball trickled of his pad, glove and ground.

Wickets fell at steady times throughout the innings, giving the Eagles little opportunity to build.

Alan Mullally, who had recovered from the thigh injury that forced him to miss the test match at Headingley, was in top form as he struck his best NUNCL figures for Hampshire.

Some lusty hitting late in the innings from Paul Grayson, Danny Law and Justin Bishop, gave the healthy home crowd something to cheer about. Law was particularly harsh on Hampshire off-spinner Shaun Udal.

Derek Kenway and Robin Smith scored Hampshire's best opening stand of the season, in any form of cricket, as they coasted at five an over, without difficulty. Kenway was first out for 56 (including five fours), and Smith followed soon after with 62 (6 fours). Hampshire lost two more wickets in their chase, Giles White lbw to the left arm seam of Justin Bishop, and Laney was caught at mid-off after completing a quick fire 30 off 27 balls. Hampshire completing their task with 8.3 overs to spare.