Inspirational Keith Harris [Bob Selly]
Weather dogged Hampshire Seniors took a grip of their ECB 50-plus County Championship group with a thrilling three-run victory over previously undefeated Somerset at Midsomer Norton.
Handy Andy’s Giles (33) and Worth (20) made a solid start for Hampshire before they were dismissed in quick succession with 61 runs on the board.
Worse was to follow as Stu Shapland and Keith Harsham quickly departed to leave the Seniors’ in trouble on 67-4 with the travelling party wishing they had diverted to the nearby Glastonbury festival.
Mat Thankachan (13) and Pete Doust (13) struggled to rebuild the innings before Neil Taylor (29) and Keith Harris (13*) compiled a ninth wicket stand of 36 to give the Seniors some hope at tea.
Skipper Nick Gargaro bowled the dangerous Marc Jenkins in the first over and, with Tim Wheatley, contained the Somerset top order.
Economical
Hampshire’s bowling strength came to the fore as Harris (2-15) and Shapland turned the screw with economical spells when Somerset looked to take command.
Mat Thankachan (2-28) bowled beautifully in the later stages having obdurate opener Andy Sapey (40) stumped by Neill Sutherland and then tempting Graddon to hole out. Hampshire kept their nerve and despite the odd lapse in the field, the Seniors finished an excellent contest winning by a mere three runs.
* Hampshire Sixties face Wiltshire in the Over-60s Championship at Hursley Park on Tuesday, 1pm.
Handy Andy’s Giles (33) and Worth (20) made a solid start for Hampshire before they were dismissed in quick succession with 61 runs on the board.
Worse was to follow as Stu Shapland and Keith Harsham quickly departed to leave the Seniors’ in trouble on 67-4 with the travelling party wishing they had diverted to the nearby Glastonbury festival.
Mat Thankachan (13) and Pete Doust (13) struggled to rebuild the innings before Neil Taylor (29) and Keith Harris (13*) compiled a ninth wicket stand of 36 to give the Seniors some hope at tea.
Skipper Nick Gargaro bowled the dangerous Marc Jenkins in the first over and, with Tim Wheatley, contained the Somerset top order.
Economical
Hampshire’s bowling strength came to the fore as Harris (2-15) and Shapland turned the screw with economical spells when Somerset looked to take command.
Mat Thankachan (2-28) bowled beautifully in the later stages having obdurate opener Andy Sapey (40) stumped by Neill Sutherland and then tempting Graddon to hole out. Hampshire kept their nerve and despite the odd lapse in the field, the Seniors finished an excellent contest winning by a mere three runs.
* Hampshire Sixties face Wiltshire in the Over-60s Championship at Hursley Park on Tuesday, 1pm.
