The 60s avenged their 2022 Vase final defeat with a thrilling six-wicket win over Cornwall, a competition open to counties who failed to qualify for the main competition from their various country-wide regional groups. Skipper Andy Steggall reflected on a 2023 season beset by health issues and long term injuries.
Hampshire's eight-team South qualifier was dubbed the 'Group of Death', emphasised by Surrey being crowned National champions and Sussex the Vase.
Hampshire's season began with a win over Middlesex, ending on a high with a their thrilling victory over Cornwall.
Ever present all rounder Pete Doust took the Sixties 1st X1 player of the season award, with special mention going to stand in skipper Neill Sutherland and team manager Nick Board.
The 50s 1st X1 won their ECB Group 3 but, ravaged by injuries, sent out a weakened side against Cheshire at Hook & Newnham Basics and were beaten at the opening knockout phase.
Brenden Fourie, who played provincial cricket in South Africa in his younger days, won the player of the season award, and saw the team home in some tight games.
Stu Shapland (22 wickets) - the winner of the prestigious Seniors Club Person of the Year - skippered the side in winning their Group and was third leading wicket taker in the competition - the only bowler in the entire competition with two separate five-wicket hauls including a hat trick v Devon.
Having former Hampshire batsman Jason Laney in their side proved invaluable to the 50s 2nd X1, the St Cross Symondians cricketer scoring two centuries, the first against Buckinghamshire at Sparsholt and the second in the National Plate final against Somerset at North Perrott. Enthusiastic bowler Rae Locker won the player of the season award.
The 50s 3rd X1 had an enjoyable season with Stewart Owen's overall contribution to the team ethos recognised.
70s - A limited but committed group led by Pete Green saw an 8th place finish nationally and 'rewarded' by a trip to Cheshire where a weakened team fell short. New recruit Andy Jarvis (348 runs, 11 wickets), who travelled from Weymouth to play regularly was a worthy winner of the player of the season award. Run machine Ian Watson (626 runs) took the Geoff Owen batting award.
Chairman Pete Green, in his first year in the hot seat, has been working hard to raise the profile of Seniors’ cricket in Hampshire and establish stronger links with the Hampshire Cricket Board and the Hampshire Cricket League. Networking is key and positive progress is being made.
If you are eligible for any of the Seniors team in 2024, are still playing a decent level of club cricket and fancy joining, please contact Pete Green on peteggreen@yahoo.co.uk. It is not a closed shop.