Hampshire Secure 2021 Second XI Championship Title 

Hampshire Coach Jimmy Adams has praised the young talent at the Club after it was confirmed the Hampshire Second XI won the 2021 Second XI Championship.

The Second XI Championship works on average points per game system across the season with Hampshire winning an impressive seven out of nine games, losing just one match all season. 

The Hampshire 2XI, who last won the Championship in 2019, finished top of the table with the average points per game of 18.11 with Leicestershire 2XI in second (15.57) and Durham 2XI (14.11) in third. 

Jimmy Adams said: “It’s great to see how well the guys have done this season. At 2XI level it's not always about winning but more about the attitude and how they apply themselves but we’re pleased with how the season has gone. Hopefully next year the standard in the 2XI competition can continue to improve.”

2021 has been a great year for several of Hampshire’s younger players with a number of notable performances in the first team.

20-year-old bowler Scott Currie took 19 wickets for Hampshire Hawks in just nine Vitality Blast matches this season while young all-rounder Felix Organ contributed consistently in Hampshire’s impressive LV= County Championship campaign. Currie went on to win the Hampshire White Ball Bowler of the Year award.

It was also a breakthrough season for 18 year old Tom Prest who scored a triple century for the 2XI in May before hitting an unbeaten 59 against Gloucestershire in the Vitality Blast.

Adams said: “It’s really pleasing to see how the guys have performed in the first-team. Often when you see a path that has already been trodden it becomes more achievable and Scott is a prime example of a player who has really hit the ground running at that level.”

While the 2XI isn’t all about winning, it’s an important part of the pathway and a great opportunity for players to showcase their talents:

Adams said: “I think in the past the 2XI sometimes had the perception of being a place where cricketers didn’t want to be, with aspirations of playing first team cricket. It’s been important for us to have an environment where players could hone their skills and enjoy playing.”

“They’ve been a great group of lads, fun to be around and to have the support of Charlie {Freeston} and Tony {Middleton} has been super valuable.”