Important half-centuries from Ian Holland (67) and Liam Dawson (51) helped Hampshire Second XI secure a commanding 42-run victory over Essex Second XI in the 50-over Trophy match at the Utilita Bowl.

Both Holland and Dawson were vital in Hampshire’s first-innings batting effort, and despite three wickets for Essex and former England spinner Monty Panesar (3-48), the hosts reached an impressive 289 before being dismissed in the final over.

An assured fifty from Daniel Lawrence (50) gave the visitors an outside chance of reaching Hampshire’s total, but some efficient bowling particularly from England U-19 spinner Brad Taylor (3-38), restricted Essex, who ultimately fell short as they were dismissed for 247 with five overs remaining.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Hampshire began positively as both openers Joe Weatherley (30) and Tom Alsop (23) saw Hampshire reach 50 without loss in the opening 10 overs.

However the duo both fell in quick succession, and as a good start soon began to look vulnerable at 65-3, Dawson and Holland came to the crease and steadied things to build a vital 83-run partnership.

Although the pair were dismissed following their fifties, the initiative had been regained, and this advantage was furthered thanks to valuable late-order hitting from Taylor (28), Brad Wheal (23*) and Jake Goodwin (22) which saw Hampshire to a competitive first-innings total.

Despite Lawrence looking in good touch, the remainder of Essex’s top-order fell cheaply thanks to some accurate bowling and with the away-side slumping to 107-5, the chances of victory to have reduced further.

As in the first-innings, lower-order batsman again made their mark, with Essex batsman Matt Salisbury (41), Aron Nijjar (33) and Jack Winslade this time doing damage for the opposition, however a lack of any other notable contributions proved to be the pivotal factor in Hampshire gaining an authoritative win.