Hampshire Seniors celebrate successful 2026 season

Hampshire Seniors enjoyed a successful 2026 season, with more than 150 players representing the county across three 50s teams, two 60s teams and a 70s team.

The Seniors played well over 50 matches throughout the season, competing against counties from across the south and beyond in national age-group competitions.

There was plenty of silverware to celebrate, with both Hampshire’s 60s teams winning their respective knockout competitions.

The 60s 1st XI progressed to the Bowl competition after a challenging league campaign against strong opposition including Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Middlesex. They went on to beat Durham in the final to lift the trophy.

The 60s 2nd XI also enjoyed success. After finishing 17th in a league of 31 teams, Hampshire qualified for the Vase competition and narrowly defeated Cheshire in a low-scoring final.

The 50s teams also performed well. The 1st XI reached the last 16 before losing to Middlesex, while the 2nd XI reached the semi-final before being beaten by Sussex in a high-scoring contest. The 50s 3rd XI continued to put out competitive sides throughout the season, with support from players in the 60s squad when required.

The 70s team improved on last season’s results, finishing 10th out of 18 teams, with plans already in place to explore entering a second 70s team next year.

Plenty of runs across the age groups

Six Hampshire players scored centuries during the season, with Jim Edwards and Andy Jarvis both reaching three figures twice.

Other notable performances included Paul Scanlon’s 116 in the 60s 1st XI semi-final against Buckinghamshire, Richard Wilson’s 142 for the 50s 1st XI against the Isle of Wight, and centuries from Lawrence Downs (117) and Kevin Cresswell (105*) for the 50s 3rd XI.

David Simpson led the bowling figures with 24 wickets, with the Seniors now looking to build on their performances with the ball ahead of next season.

Hampshire represented at England level

There was also international recognition for Hampshire, with 60s 1st XI captain Alan Whitman selected to represent England at the 60s World Cup in Canada.

Whitman was part of the England side that shared the trophy with New Zealand after rain prevented the final from taking place.

Looking ahead

As an itinerant club, Hampshire Seniors are grateful to the clubs who hosted fixtures throughout the season, including Sparsholt, Twyford, Langley Manor, Basingstoke, Paultons, Portsmouth, Ramsdell and St Cross Symondians.

The Seniors are also keen to hear from clubs who may be able to host matches in the future, with the longer-term aim of establishing a regular home ground.

New players are welcome across all age groups, with nets due to begin at Winchester College in February.

The Seniors are particularly keen to hear from players returning to cricket after a break. As several members have discovered, you can still do it – even if there are a few initial aches and pains!

Anyone interested in joining Hampshire Seniors can contact chairman Peter Green at [email protected].