An excellent century from Captain Joe Weatherley (123) helped Hampshire Academy secure a convincing 146-run victory over Bashley CC in the SOuthern Electric Premier League fixture at the Utilita Bowl.

Weatherley looked in fine form on his way to his first century of 2015 and some good support from fellow England U19 international Brad Taylor (61) helped Hampshire post 295-5 batting first.

Taylor (4-19) also contributed brilliantly with the ball as he and fellow spinner Mason Crane (4-44) helped dismiss the visitors for just 144 to hand the hosts a resounding victory in under 35 overs.

The hosts began the innings positively with Weatherly and Ben Duggan (24) helping Hants reach 99 without loss, before the latter fell just short of the century partnership.

Tom Alsop (18) departed shortly after but Weatherly continued with some fine strokes, and joined at the crease by Taylor, the two England youth players built an important partnership.

Leading from the front, the impressive Weatherley remained dominant and brought up his hundred at a rate of less than a run a ball.

Eventually the skipper departed with the score at 222-3 but Taylor added to his score to bring up his well-made half-century inside 45 overs and some aggressive stroke-play from Andy Gorvin (37 off 25) helped Hants continue to accumulate at a quick rate. Despite the loss of Taylor in the closing overs, Gorvin remained to hit some hefty blows and he closed the innings unbeaten as Hampshire posted a commanding total.

Bashley struggled in their reply, as early wickets for Tom Barber (1-18) and Luke Evans (1-26) saw the visitors stumble to 67-2.

As spin was inserted into the attack, wickets continued to fall in quick succession with both Taylor and Crane bowling with great accuracy and discipline.

The loss of Michael Porter (44) saw the away-side struggle further at 105-5 as the youngster was the only batsman to offer any real resistance to a fine Hampshire bowling display.

The loss of seven wickets for just 51 runs saw the end of the Bashley innings with Taylor and Crane taking the final five wickets, and with it disappeared any hope of delaying an emphatic victory for the Academy side.

Words: Will Brewster