Rouse Rallies to Fire Hampshire into the Lead

Apr 21 2011

HAMpSHIRE v leeds / bradford uni 
friendly
DAY TWO – THURsday 21 APRIL
the rose Bowl (Nursery Ground)

Summary: Leeds/Bradford University trail Hampshire by 83 runs
Leeds / Bradford Uni: 195 & 108-3
Hampshire: 386

Hampshire
Dawson, Turner, Ervine*, Vince, Howell, Ravenscroft, Bates, Rouse⁺, Ali, Balcombe, Wood

 An incredible 10th wicket partnership of 103 between Adam Rouse (67*) and Kabir Ali (51) helped Hampshire stay in control on day two of their three day friendly against Leeds/Bradford MCCU.

Key contributions, as well, from James Vince (50) and Michael Bates (35) meant Hampshire finished their first innings with a 181 run lead after amassing a very good total of 386.

However, they might feel they let their opponents off the hook a little by close of play as the University side managed to recover from 33-2 to 108-3 at stumps.

Nevertheless, Hampshire will still feel very confident, leading by 83 runs heading into the final day. 

Click here to see a full scorecard

The hosts started another wonderfully sunny day on the Rose Bowl Nursery ground looking to chase down and build upon Leeds/Bradford MCCU’s 1st innings total of 195, having resumed on 108-2.

Things didn’t, however, get off to the perfect start as nightwatchman David Balcombe (2) chipped a shot to square leg for Joe Leach to collect a simple catch leaving the home side 113-3 in the first over of play.

And Hampshire looked like they may have got themselves into a spot of bother when Sean Ervine (30) tried to play a cover drive which looped into the hands of Richard Moore leaving them 154-4.

But Hampshire did pass the visitors first innings score during the middle part of the first session thanks largely to some quick scoring from Benny Howell (30) before he was stumped by Dan Hodgson behind the wicket. Howell’s impressive innings included six fours in the 36 balls he faced.

And the hosts continued to pick up as Vince (50) reached his half-century before being trapped lbw the very next ball shortly before the lunch break. Walking into teh Arthur Holt pavilion, the hosts would have been reasonably happy on 238-6; a lead of 43 runs. 

Kabir Ali, batting at 11, made 51 not out to help Hampshire to a good first innings score of 386.

The next session didn’t start so well, however, as Hampshire lost two early wickets. But then, with Rouse already at the crease, he was joined by Ali and the pair set about digging in.

Scoring at just under a run a ball, just 23 overs later the pair brought up their century partnership – a magnificent achievement batting so far down the order.

Rouse, particularly, showed excellent skill to pace his innings perfectly, hitting 11 4s in his two hour stint at the crease. It is a testament to what a fine young emerging cricketer he is that he was the not-out batsman.

And things looked like they might have gone even better when, shortly after the re-start, Balcombe trapped David Clarke for 15 and Chris Wood had Ben Slater (9) trapped lbw, too - both inside 10 overs.

But Alex Blake (58*) and Harry Bush (21) managed to bring some stability to the batting line up as their partnership reached 75 before the end of play.

Kent batsman, Blake, managed to bring up his own half century in guiding his side to a respectable 108-3 at the end of day two.

A Hampshire side quick out the blocks tomorrow morning, though, could make Good Friday a great Friday for the home support.

Day One Match Report: Balcombe Takes Four as Hants Take Control