Two Years Ago Today: Hampshire Lift Royal London One-Day Cup

Hampshire Cricket's historian Dave Allen takes a look back on timely memorable moments in his ‘On This Day’ series.

Hampshire v Kent Spitfires, Royal London One-Day Cup Final, 30th June 2018

It took Hampshire 25 years to reach their first Lord’s Final – longer than any other county – but their return thirty years later was their eighth Lord’s showpiece – and they had won in 1988, 1991, 1992, 2005, 2009 & 2012, with just one ‘blip’ in 2007.

This was Hampshire’s second Final meeting with Kent and as in 1992, they batted first albeit in better weather.

The sun blazed as Tom Alsop made a terrific start (72 from 75 balls) as Rilee Rossouw took a little longer to get going but he stayed as Vince scored a quick 23 (193-2) and then if Sam Northeast needed motivating to bat in a Final, the Kent supporters helped with a cascade of ungenerous ‘boos’.

Rossouw, launched his attack, taking him to 125 from 114 balls, Northeast ended on 75* and Hampshire’s 330-7 was a Cup Final record.

Bell-Drummond (86) anchored Kent’s response but a vital run-out dismissed Kuhn and then from 158-2 wickets fell regularly to five Hampshire bowlers – including Mason Crane, struggling with an injury, who also executed a second terrific run out.

Gareth Berg (2-43) finished things and Hampshire had won by 61 runs.  

The ‘veterans’ of 2012, captain Vince, Wood and Dawson (also 2009), joined their team-mates on the podium and the fans celebrated again.