Hampshire Academy v BAT Sports - Match Report

Hampshire Academy v BAT Sports

Hampshire Academy were outplayed by seasoned campaigners BAT at the Rose Bowl nursery ground.

Having won the toss for the third time in succession, the junior Hawks were made to struggle for runs against BAT's second string attack of Thomason (2-29)and Page (1-15). There was no let-up from the spin of Rawlins (2-26) and skipper Richard Dibden (1-24). All four bowlers mentioned completed their allocated ten overs, the only respite coming from the "fifth bowler" Shirazi and Parlane, who jointly went for 51 runs. After a battling 30 runs (81 balls, 3 fours) from opener Kevin Latouf, it was left to opening bowlers David Griffiths (38 not out, 72 balls, 2 fours) and Luke Merry (15 not out, 41 balls) to achieve a certain amount of respectability with an unbroken 8th wicket stand of 57 runs.

A target of 153 runs on a flat pitch was never going to trouble BAT unduly and so it proved. Openers Damian Shirazi (55 not out, 93 balls, 6 fours), continuing his fine form with the MCC Young Cricketers, and overseas signing Neal Parlane (50 in 46 balls, 1 six, 7 fours) made up for their relative lack of success with the ball by putting on 67 in 81 balls for the first wicket, thereby ending the match as a contest.

The match was won with more than 16 overs to spare; emphasizing the step up in skill and competitiveness that the young Academy side have experienced this season since moving up from the silver league as champions last year.