My Favourite Game

1978 - Hampshire v Middlesex

September 3rd  - John Player League (Final Game of the Season) 

Dean Park Ground, Bournemouth

Hampshire  221-4 (40 Overs) Greenidge 122

Middlesex 195 (38 overs) Jesty 7-0 -32-5

Result: Hampshire won by 26 runs

Written by Neil Vacher 

Gilliat signs off in style with a second Sunday League success

How long is 20 minutes - if you were a Hampshire player or supporter?

As the 1978 season neared its conclusion, Hampshire’s chances of winning a trophy rested in the John Player League (JPL), the 40 overs a side competition that had first been introduced to the county circuit in 1969. A week before the final fixtures were due to take place, Hampshire beat Kent at Southampton to keep the pressure on leaders Somerset who also won on the same day. After maintaining a strong challenge throughout the summer, Richard Gilliat’s side remained four points, or one victory, behind their west country rivals. Somerset would take the title if they won or tied their last match at Taunton, but if Hampshire could win their last game against Middlesex at Dean Park, Bournemouth, their away record and run rate could not be bettered should Somerset slip up.

During the season, Hampshire had parted company with international stars Barry Richards and Andy Roberts and in the run-in, much had depended on the character of the side in covering their absences, particularly that of Roberts, whose performances with bat and ball had been an important factor in at least four victories in the 40-over competition. Five JPL matches had remained when Richards and Roberts left but valuable contributions from other members of the side at vital times ensured that Hampshire remained in contention. Gilliat had stepped up to open the innings in Richards’ absence, whilst Gordon Greenidge, totally loyal to the county who discovered him almost a decade previously, accepted the extra responsibility placed on his shoulders. I had been present when Greenidge made his first-class debut for Hampshire in 1970 and had seen his initial raw talent develop into that of a world class batsman. He was without doubt my favourite cricketer at the time and so exciting to watch.

My first experience of watching county cricket had been at Dean Park earlier that year and I fell in love with the game and the ground from that moment on. I saw Hampshire claim a second County Championship there in 1973 and the following year, whilst attending Portchester School in Bournemouth, had been fortunate enough to play there for the school first eleven on several occasions. The summer of 1978 had been notable by my absence however, as I had undergone knee surgery in April. After spending six weeks in hospital and a further six in plaster, Sunday 3 September was quite a day for me as it was the first time since then I had managed to get to the ground under my own steam. The surgery had not been without its complications, and I had previously needed the assistance of a wheelchair and then crutches before being finally dropping down to a walking stick as my recovery neared competition.

On a beautiful warm and sunny September afternoon,the ground was packed, with around 6,000 people in attendance, and the atmosphere was electric. Could the occasion provide the perfect send off to captain Gilliat in his last game before handing over the reins to fellow championship winner, wicketkeeper Bob Stephenson? First to step forward was indeed Greenidge, who played one of his finest one-day innings for Hampshire. He took part in two decisive partnerships which allowed the side to build what was a sizeable total at the time. He and Gilliat began with an opening stand of 100 in 24 overs and then later, assisted by Trevor Jesty, Greenidge helped to add 120 for the third wicket before both were out in the final over. 

Greenidge’s innings of 122 was one of brutal power and included five 6’s as Hampshire reached 221-4 at the end of their 40 overs. It was Greendige’s second JPL century of the season and brought the personal number of runs he had scored in the county’s last five JPL games to 339.

But Middlesex, led by England captain Mike Brearley and with seven players with Test match experience in their side, responded well and looked threatening as Clive Radley and Norman Featherstone began with an opening partnership of 77. The score had risen to 126-1, when Gilliat made a tactical decision to concede singles but defend the boundaries and the pressure this caused eventually told. Jesty came on to bowl and changed the picture entirely by taking a wicket in each of his first four overs. He went on to produce a match winning spell which saw him take 5-32, including the vital dismissal of Featherstone to a brilliant tumbling outfield catch by substitute fielder David Rock. Fine fielding also brought three run outs and a slick stumping from wicketkeeper Bob Stephenson as Hampshire eventually ran out comfortable winners by 26 runs.

I was amongst the crowd of people who made their way onto the pitch to congratulate the players before assembling in front of the pavilion to await news of the result from Taunton. The players soon went into the dressing room to watch the final overs on TV before, after a nail biting wait of some 25 minutes, the news came through that Somerset had lost and by virtue of a higher run rate throughout the season, Hampshire were champions. The cheering crowd eventually saw Gilliat receive a replica of the trophy and success was sweet. After the departure of Richards and Roberts, it had been a test of character, and the players came through with great credit to win the JPL title for the second time in four seasons. It was also a fitting end to Richard Gilliat’s period in charge and he could now retire with one championship and two JPL successes under his captaincy. It should have been two championships of course, were it not for that woeful week of wet weather that had cruelly denied Hampshire the title in 1974. But at least this final opportunity had been taken to add a further trophy to a very successful period in the club’s history.  

Since then, there have been many Hampshire games and moments that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy at first hand, although unfortunately I was not present for any of their one-day cup final successes, just the defeat against Durham at Lords in 2007. Nonetheless, I have been lucky enough to see many world class players wear the Hampshire crest at first hand and, now semi-retired, I can at last spend even more time watching them. I find the current brand of Hampshire cricket just as exciting as it has always been and I’m sure the club can look forward to enjoying even more success in the future.

1987 - Kent v Hampshire 

Refuge Assurance League

August 30th 

The Mote, Maidstone

Hampshire 234-3 (40 overs) Smith CL 76*, Turner 45

Kent 167 (36.5 overs) Ayling 3-30

Result: Hants won by 67 runs

Written by Jon Ayling

Playing against a childhood hero in my first game!

Trying to recall my favourite Hampshire game, it is hard to look past the three Lord's Finals I was very lucky to take part in. Each was very special in its own way. In many ways, it is also much easier to recall my favourite game as a young fan before I ever played for Hampshire. In that regard, Trevor Jesty's majestic 96 at Portsmouth in the John Player League in 1980 immediately springs to mind. He took a very good attack apart that day in a game reduced, because of the bad weather, to no more than 20 overs. Funnily enough, it was the disappointment of him missing out on a hundred - out to a fantastic diving catch by Botham in the covers (if memory serves me correctly) - that I can visualise most clearly. Portsmouth was such a special ground for me. It was where I first watched Hampshire as a youngster. My parents would drop me off with friends for the day at the County Ground near the Hard, with a packed lunch and tea that was invariably all eaten before a ball was bowled. We would also always try and sit neat the pavilion to see the players come out. Portsmouth was renowned for its sporting wicket and the look on players' faces going out to face Surrey's Sylvester Clarke with just a cap on stayed with me even during my playing days. Sadly, I was just too young to see Barry Richards, but my Dad certainly told me how good a player he was. Instead, I had to make do with the likes of Gordon (Greenidge) and Trevor who were so often box office at Portsmouth in those days as an impressionable young Hampshire supporter. Malcolm Marshall of course was another hero of mine, along with David Gower and the late Derek Underwood for England. 

My first Lord's Final in 1988 against Derbyshire was so special for the club. I was very much the youngster in the side and it could not have gone better on the day. Rod Bransgrove always says I top-edged the six into the tavern late on during that successful run chase against a very strong Surrey side in the 1991 Nat West Final. Again it was just a brilliant day for the club.Tony Middleton batted brilliantly; the Test class battle between Robin Smith and Waqar Younis was truly fantastic just to watch from 22 yards away in the setting sun.  The players, our families and the supporters on the ground savoured all three finals in '88, '91 and '92. The Kent Final in '92, where Malcolm finally received his winner's medal, was certainly a quieter affair (when it had to be completed on the Sunday). Given how short my Hampshire career was - because of the knee injury sustained in that pre-season friendly soon after - I regard all three of those Lord's Finals as highlights. Having had slightly longer, though, to consider the question of what my favourite Hampshire is, I can't look further than the magical feeling of taking my first wicket. I was lining up to play in a Hampshire team alongside players I regarded at the time as my heroes. I was also taking the field against Derek Underwood at Maidstone in his farewell season. Mind you getting to the game was as stressful as playing in it! I had made my debut in the Refuge Assurance League the week before at Bournemouth against Somerset, because Gordon Greenidge and Malcolm Marshall were both playing in the MCC Bicentenary game at Lord's.   

I got the telephone call the night before the game in Kent at Maidstone at home in Portsmouth. It was in the middle of the three-day Championship game at the Mote Park ground and I had not been to due to travel. I came in for Malcolm Marshall who had helped dismiss Kent for about 190 the day before. The only way I could get there in time was borrowing my Mum's Ford Fiesta. The week before we had lost by 24 runs, and there was a really good crowd that day in Maidstone. Kent were still in the hunt for the title - with their very strong limited-overs side - and I know it was Underwood's last ever Sunday home game for his home county. He had always done really well against us.* What I then witnessed was a masterclass, as I waited very nervously to bat. Paul Terry, David Turner and Robin Smith all got runs, but Derek remained the real threat and had Robin stumped. It was just up so many levels from anything I had ever played in before. From then on Chris (Smith) batted brilliantly and looked in no trouble, even against Derek. He put on nearly 100 with Kevin James, with me waiting all the while padded-up and due in next. Watching Chris up close bat like that, against both seam and spin, made me realise how much I needed to improve to make the step up to try and earn a regular place the following summer. He made Derek look ordinary that day.

Stephen Andrew and Cardigan Connor opened up for us and I was relieved to come on first change and be involved early. We soon got rid of both openers. I will never forget the relief and joy of taking my first wicket when I bowled Simon Hinks. It settled me down, and Tim Tremlett kept it very tight at the other end. I was lucky enough to add the wickets of Chris Cowdrey and Eldine Baptiste, with Kent struggling to keep up with rate.  Derek's last innings didn't last long when Cardigan cleaned him up. The crowd were far more muted by this time, with their Sunday League title hopes over. In the end, we won by more than 60 runs. I was genuinely walking on air, experiencing the atmosphere of playing in front of such an expectant crowd for the first time. There were a lot of very good young players at the club at the time. Tony Middleton, Rupert Cox, Richard Scott, Kevin Shine, Shaun Udal, Raj Maru and Adi Aymes were all part of a very good Under 25 side that summer. The success of that day at Maidstone really spurred me on from that point to try and break into the side in 1988, with a number of the other very talented youngsters. It was a dressing room with the Smiths, Greenidge and Marshall - as a Hampshire fan, these guys were, after all, my heroes and playing with them as I said was just pure joy!  

Footnotes on the game by the HCH Website editor:

*From 1969 to 1986 when John Player were the sponsors of the Sunday League, the two leading wicket-takers were John Lever and Derek Underwood, with exactly 346 wickets each. Derek took his wickets at an average of 16.79, while John took his at 18.79 each. They were well clear in the list of the leading JPL wicket-takers: 40 more than third in the list, Essex's Stuart Turner. Against Hampshire Derek had taken 31 of those 346 wickets at an average of just 12.03.

I first came across Jon, playing for the "Bulldogs" (Year 7 Team) at Hilsea Playing Fields at Portsmouth Grammar School. It was at the time when David Rock was good to enough make centuries for Hampshire, having also been to our school. When I was out for the first team early - a regular occurrence -  I would go across and watch this young lad, who aged 12, was already the best player in the whole school. His father Chris was the perfect mentor and coach. They were never out of the nets practising in the summer term. All of us at PGS, who saw and played with him as a youngster, were so proud of how good a player he became. We were spoilt at the time following the progress of Roger Black on the track, Mike Wedderburn (of Sky Sports Fame) on the Rugby Field and Jon over at Northlands Road. He would have enjoyed a truly great career with Hampshire, but for that horrific and freakish injury to his knee. Watching him make 88 not out at Aigburth against Wasim Akram in 1988, as well as play a leading part in Hampshire's first three Lord's Final successes, remain indelible memories. Jon remains a true gentleman, fine coach and great cricket brain. On the one hand, it must feel what might have been for him, but, on the other, he must be so proud that he was a fine established regular in a very good Hampshire team at such a young age. From that game at Maidstone onwards, in all formats, he was a fixture batting at six and bowling first-change. 

2010 - Hampshire v Somerset

14th August 2010 - Friends Provident T20 2010 Final

Rose Bowl 

Somerset 173-6 (20 overs)  

Hampshire 173-5 (20 overs) 

Result: Hampshire won by losing fewer wickets

"Neil McKenzie masterclass in the Final and then he gave me his Cap"

Devoted Home and Away Hampshire Supporter, Rob Hughes, 

in conversation with John Winter

Which is your favourite game - either in T20, 50 over or four day cricket - which immediately springs to mind, Rob? 

There are two games which are my absolute favourites. The first one has to be the 2010 Final at what was the Rose Bowl - with all the drama right at the end of the game and then the second was the Lord's Final in 2009 when Anthony (who takes me to every game) and I were able to watch the game right on the edge of the grass. I was also there for Warwickshire game in 2012 which went to the last ball. In 2009, after the victory over Sussex, Billy Taylor and Nic Pothas brought the trophy across to me. What special moments and memories!

What are your memories of that first T20 success in 2010?

The pulled hamstring (Dan Christian) in that last over, the groundsman coming on, the long wait, the mix up with the runner, Christian leaving his crease, that scrambled leg bye to win it, waiting for the announcement and confirmation of the result, the celebrations in front of the pavilion .....

The 2010 T20 Final at Southampton between Hampshire Royals and Somerset was a dramatic thriller decided on the last ball. Hampshire, chasing 174, needed two runs to win outright off the final delivery. With injured batsman Dan Christian unable to run, Adams (his runner) and Ervine somehow completed a scrambled single off Alfonso Thomas to ensure the scores were level. Hampshire won with the scores level, by virtue of losing less wickets.Contributions from Jimmy Adams (55) and Neil McKenzie (52*) were crucial in the chase. Sean Ervine was 44 not out at the end. Earlier, Somerset had posted 173/6, led by Kieswetter's 71. The tense finish and dramatic conclusion definitely made it one of the most memorable domestic T20 Finals in English cricket history  - and all the sweeter for Hampshire, who won it on their first appearance at Finals Day and on their home ground. 

It was also around the start of the time, Rob, when you began collecting all the souvenirs and mementoes which players have presented you immediately after games?

Yes that was the day Neil McKenzie gave me his cap. I couldn't believe it!

One-Day Cricket or Four-Day Cricket, Rob?

The County Championship is definitely my favourite. I loved all the Lord's Finals and that T20 Final against Somerset, but I love the four-day games most, especially when we are travelling round the country. I am not sure "Ant" agrees because he always tells me his favourite Hampshire games were all during COVID just because he didn't have to drive me round the country then!! It is funny really because Ant says he doesn’t really like cricket, but occasionally corrects me if I’ve ever made a mistake.

Favourite ever Hampshire player?

Liam Dawson is my favourite player because I like to chat to him, and he teases me about being a Pompey fan. Also because I’ve seen him come up through the seconds.

Why is watching cricket such a passion for you?

I love cricket so much because of the camaraderie and the chance to talk about the game. The three things I like most about cricket are meeting the players, the umpires and having a chat to the coaching staff.

Favourite away ground?

The Oval  because I get a good parking space and the facilities are good for wheelchair users and the stewards are always cheerful.  Going to other grounds, I enjoy meeting their fans and watching cricket together and sometimes see them back at Hampshire.

Favourite other county?

A couple of other teams I follow are Sussex because of former Hampshire players that I watched coming through. I also like Derbyshire because I was born there. I always prefer a day at Hampshire,  I’m so excited about the forthcoming Ashes match to be held at our home ground. My favourite opposition player is Sir Alastair Cook because I was lucky enough to see his last game at Chelmsford and also I had my photo taken with him during the England versus India Test Match at the Ageas Bowl (as it was then).

What else have you collected over the years?

Signed shirts include those from Vince, Dawson, Alsop, Berg, Abbas and a couple of  team ones.  Pride of place also goes to the 4 match balls, which Kyle Abbott gave me after each of his five-fors in 2024. They are all in my souvenir cabinet at home and they have all been labelled by my Dad.

Last question and not an easy one: Who would be in your favourite Hampshire team, Rob?

My best Hampshire team of players: 

Adams, Carberry, McKenzie, Vince, Dawson, Pothas, Mascarenhas, Warne, Abbott, Tomlinson and Briggs