Sussex suffer two defeats against Hampshire

All photos: Lee Floyd

A reversal of fortunes for both sides brought Hampshire two wins against Sussex in the latest round of the Vitality Women’s County T20 on Monday.

After Sussex won both their opening matches against Essex and Hampshire lost both theirs against Middlesex the weekend before, Hampshire recorded a 47-run and nine-wicket win at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy.

Winning the toss and batting first in the morning game, Hampshire scored 114 for 8. Opener Ella Chandler was the visitors’ top-scorer with a watchful 41 off 50 balls. There were three wickets for Mary Taylor in just her third senior appearance, while the ever-dependable Tara Norris took two, including the dangerous Maia Bouchier for just four and a sharp return catch to dismiss Abbie Whybrow. Beth Harvey and Chiara Green both took a wicket each and were economical, going at 4 and 3.75 runs per over respectively.

Harvey also executed a sharp direct hit run out from the covers.  On her return to action in Sussex colours, Sarah Taylor took two stumpings, one off a clever slower ball from Mary Taylor and the other from the off spin of Harvey.

In reply, Sussex lost skipper Georgia Adams in the second over for one. Sarah Taylor top-scored with 28 from 24 balls and added 41 for the second wicket with Ella McCaughan (10) but when Taylor was bowled by a Charlie Dean delivery that spun sharply, the home side’s chase fell apart as Hampshire’s superior experience told. Hampshire picked up the next eight wickets for just 25 runs as Sussex were dismissed for 67.

The toss went the same way in the afternoon fixture, with Hampshire deciding to bowl first this time. Sussex found scoring tough on a turning wicket, which also offered some zip for the seamers. A promising opening stand of 36 between Adams and McCaughan (10) was ended when McCaughan was bowled in the eighth over trying to pull a Fi Morris delivery that skidded on.

Adams fell for a 44-ball 29 four overs later when the same bowler pinned her in front, to leave Sussex 54 for 2. Sarah Taylor made an unbeaten 29 at better than a run a ball by picking the gaps and running hard. She put on 33 with Mary Taylor (13), but some tight bowling from Charlie Dean and Finty Trussler, who picked up three wickets, stopped Sussex from gaining momentum at the death and limiting them to 90 for 5 from their 20 overs.

Cassidy McCarthy made an early breakthrough during the chase, having Bouchier caught at deep square leg by Tara Norris for a duck with the sixth ball of the innings. Ella Chandler was forced to retire after a nasty blow to the helmet two overs later, but otherwise Hampshire made comfortable progress towards their target as increasing wind speed made for difficult bowling and fielding conditions.

Dean (26) and Morris (47) put on 75 together and Hampshire secured victory with five overs and a ball to spare. Most of the six bowlers used by Sussex finished with respectable economy rates for a T20 match, but Sussex’s low total and a lack of wickets meant Hampshire were never really under pressure.

Full scorecards for both matches, including video clips, are available here.

Sussex join four other teams in the South East Group on eight points after four games, including Hampshire. With a 100% record, Kent lead the group.

Sussex travel to Mill Hill School for their next two behind-closed-doors matches against Middlesex this Sunday.