Hawks outgunned by the Outlaws on slow wicket

In glorious summer sunshine, Hampshire Hawks lost their first ECB National League Division II clash for 5 games when they were defeated in the last over by Nottinghamshire Outlaws. Failure to post a decent score after being asked to bat first was the crux of the situation on a slow wicket at The Rose Bowl.

Robin Smith missed the match after pulling a hamstring the previous Sunday, but the Hawks welcomed back Chris Tremlett after a month off injured, with Ed Giddins being left out of the side.

Hampshire struggled early on, using the same strip that three days earlier had been used for the NWS One-Day International, their first run off the bat came in the fourth over. Kenway and Katich toiled against the acurate seam of Smith and Logan, before the former edged to wicket-keeper Read.

Hamblin sent in as pinch-hitter managed just 4 in 14 balls. Skipper Crawley joined the Australian in a 61 run partnership, but both fell in quick succession. John Francis was joined by Nic Pothas as they upped the tempo,

Francis hitting a hugh six off New Zealander Daniel Vettori, before the bowler gained his revenge next ball by bowling him. Pothas batted throughout the remainder of the innings for a run a ball 45, but the total of 208 seemed woefully short.

A 51 opening stand set the tone for the outlaws, and despite a mid innings mini collapse, they seemed to be always in charge, and a flurry at the end by Chris Cairns and Chris Read saw the visitors home with two balls to spare.

Chris Tremlett proved how much Hampshire had missed him recently, bowling economically in his 9 overs spell. Prittipaul and Udal took two wickets apiece.