Second XI Championship v Somerset 26th - 28th August

Aug 30 2009

Chris Benham won the toss and batted first.  Rain at tea brought an early end to play on day 1 with Hampshire on 134 for 3 and Matthew Kleinveldt 107 not out.  His century came off 131 balls and included 14 fours and 3 sixes.  He was seventh out with the score at 201. 

Useful contributions from David Balcombe (39) and Chris Morgan (22) saw Hampshire reach 290 all out.  In reply Somerset recovered from the early loss of Lett, run out with a direct hit from Hamza Riazuddin, with the score on 5, to reach 223 for 2 when skipper Durston made an enterprising declaration.  Jones (74) and Buttler (115*) shared a partnership of 178 for the 2nd wicket. The Hampshire bowlers found life difficult with the only wicket falling to Kleinveldt.

Hampshire were keen to respond and did so in a very positive manner. Skipper Benham led the way before he was out for 55 and  the momentum was maintained by Michael Bates with 43 not out and Chris Wood with 37.  This set up the declaration at lunch time on day 3 with the score on 228 for 7 and Somerset were set a target of 296 from a minimum of 64 overs.

A much improved bowling performance aided by some excellent catching soon had the visitors in trouble.  They were 69 for 6 with Chris Wood doing the early damage taking 4 for 40, and after tea Hamza Riazuddin took 3 quick wickets as Somerset were dismissed for 129.  Riazuddin finished with 4 for 16 from 8.5 overs and Hampshire won the match by 166 runs.  This was the result of some very positive cricket on the third day and was a fine all round team performance.

Scores:
Hants 290 (Kleinveldt 113) and 228 for 7 (Benham 55)
Somerset 223 for 2 (Buttler 115*) and 129 (Riazuddin 4-16; Wood 4-40)
Hampshire won by 166 runs.
 

Match report by Peter Danks.