Sussex Seniors overcome spirited Hampshire to reach Plate Final

 

Sussex amassed an imposing 336-3 from their 45 overs, but Hampshire responded magnificently and kept the contest alive deep into the closing stages before finishing on 313-6. It was a tough battle, eventually overcome by Sussex, although Hampshire deserve enormous credit for the fight and quality they displayed throughout an excellent semi-final.

 

The Sussex innings began with a moment of unexpected drama as Henry Green departed first ball for what was generously christened a “diamond duck”. In reality, it was simply the ultimate act of self-sacrifice from a consummate team man, allowing his teammates to take centre stage while saving his own runs for the final!

 

Scott Eason responded superbly to the early setback. After settling into his innings, Scott accelerated and played his natural attacking game, striking ten fours and two sixes in an excellent 85 from 81 balls. The century aversion struck once again, following his memorable 99 against Kent at home, but this was another hugely valuable innings when Sussex needed it.

 

Paul O’Sullivan proved himself the short-ball bully, taking on anything pitched halfway down and dispatching it for fours and sixes. His excellent 51 from 48 deliveries, featuring seven fours and two sixes, helped Scott add 124 for the second wicket and gave Sussex a strong platform.

 

That platform allowed Simon Jervis time to get his eye in, and once he did, the fireworks began. Simon produced a magnificent unbeaten 113 from just 88 balls, with 11 fours and six enormous sixes, several of which travelled far enough to deserve eight. It was an innings full of clean striking, quality cricket shots and controlled power. Crucially, Simon carried his bat and will be looking to take that form into the final.

 

Harry Chaudhary provided the perfect foil. His unbeaten 66 from 54 balls included nine boundaries and a wide range of attractive strokes. Harry rotated the strike intelligently, punished the bad ball and combined with Simon in an outstanding unbroken partnership of 171, lifting Sussex to a formidable 336-3.

 

Hampshire’s response demonstrated that the job was far from complete. Paul Friedrich and captain Andrew Worth gave the chase a positive start before Sussex’s opening bowlers began to make inroads.

 

Adrian Chappell, christened “Angry Chappell” by the Hampshire batters, bowled with control and purpose. His eight-over spell cost only 47 on a flat, high-scoring surface, and he removed Friedrich for 21 when Harry held the catch. By keeping the boundary count under control, Chappell provided Sussex with an important foundation.

 

At the other end, Adrian Breeds maintained the pressure and bowled Hampshire captain Worth for 30, finishing with 1 for 40 from seven overs. Together, the two Adrians gave Sussex a disciplined opening and ensured Hampshire could not take complete control of the chase.

 

Andy Spink then played superbly for Hampshire, striking 80 from 66 balls and adding 102 with Paul Burrows. Sussex were required to work hard in the field, with Henry Green seemingly taking on several commando roles as he patrolled the ground and maintained command of his area.

 

Phil Weir endured a challenging afternoon in the field, with a few misfields and a dropped opportunity, but responded in the best possible way. His brilliant direct-hit run-out, striking a single stump to remove the dangerous Spink, was a major turning point and ensured the earlier chances did not prove costly. Phil also contributed well with the ball on an excellent batting surface, claiming the wicket of Chris Butcher and finishing with 1 for 64 from nine overs.

 

Harry bowled a wholehearted and economical spell of nine overs for 51. He was unfortunate not to collect a wicket, creating chances through determined and accurate bowling, including an opportunity at deep square. His contribution with both bat and ball remained central to the victory.

 

Hampshire refused to go away. Burrows produced an excellent 99 from 87 balls, supported by Butcher and Gary Cockcroft, and the pressure increased as the match entered its final 12 overs with the target still within reach.

 

Captain Colin Coddington and Dipak Karki were entrusted with the closing overs and held their nerve while Hampshire were forced to attack. Colin accepted the pressure of bowling at the death on a flat pitch and kept competing despite the batters having licence to swing.

 

Dipak made two decisive breakthroughs, first removing Cockcroft for 18 and then ending Burrows’ outstanding innings one short of a deserved century, with Chappell taking the catch. His two late wickets helped swing the contest firmly back towards Sussex, and he finished with 2 for 48 from six demanding overs.

 

Behind the stumps, Ian Rippengal supported the bowlers and remained alert throughout a relentless Hampshire chase, while every member of the Sussex side contributed during a match that demanded resilience, teamwork and composure.

 

Steve Paul’s unbeaten 31 helped Hampshire reach an impressive 313-6, alongside Chris Russell, but Sussex had done enough to complete a memorable 23-run victory.

 

This was a tremendous semi-final and a great win for Sussex against opponents who pushed them all the way. Hampshire put up an outstanding fight and played their part in a superb game of cricket.

 

There are lessons for Sussex to take into the final: the fielding can be sharper, the team must remain composed when the pressure rises, and there is no need to panic when momentum temporarily shifts. However, the character shown to withstand Hampshire’s challenge and close out the match should give the side enormous confidence.

 

Special thanks go to Peter Goad for scoring, supporting the team and making another important contribution off the field. Thanks also to fellow scorer Susan Simpson and umpires Colin Hutton and Steve Hill for their work throughout an excellent contest.

 

Sussex now march on ready for one more major performance in the National Plate Final vs Suffolk on Wednesday 2nd September, at Tring Park CC, midday start.

 

Full scorecard available here.