With a little help from the wet weather, which carved into the final session, Hampshire were able to salvage a draw from their opening two-day Under-18 County Championship match against a powerful Essex unit at Castle Park, well appointed home of Colchester & East Essex.
Hampshire's comparatively inexperienced side was second best for much of the match that was scheduled to be a three-day affair. Essex posted 224-8 and then bowled Hampshire out for 102 to take a first innings lead of 122 into the final day. It didn't help Hampshire's cause that skipper Harry Petrie was forced to withdraw for covid isolation reasons.
Essex added 167-6 in their second knock but, with an uncertain weather forecast, arguably left themselves insufficient time in which to bowl Hampshire out again. On the defence from the start, Hampshire reached 61-4 when the rain came in the 45th over.
Hampshire begin a three-day match against Sussex YCs at Winchester College on Tuesday, 1100. The match is open to spectators.
Hampshire's comparatively inexperienced side was second best for much of the match that was scheduled to be a three-day affair. Essex posted 224-8 and then bowled Hampshire out for 102 to take a first innings lead of 122 into the final day. It didn't help Hampshire's cause that skipper Harry Petrie was forced to withdraw for covid isolation reasons.
Essex added 167-6 in their second knock but, with an uncertain weather forecast, arguably left themselves insufficient time in which to bowl Hampshire out again. On the defence from the start, Hampshire reached 61-4 when the rain came in the 45th over.
Hampshire begin a three-day match against Sussex YCs at Winchester College on Tuesday, 1100. The match is open to spectators.