Hampshire Academy fell to defeat against South Wilts on the opening day of the 2015 Southern Electric Premier season, despite unbeaten half-centuries from Brad Taylor (67) and Felix Organ (57) at the Utilita Bowl Nursery Ground.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the visitors got off to a blistering start through skipper Tom Morton (30 off 13) and Edward Abel (41). Aggressive strokes continued to flow after their departure with Sean Terry (84 off 70) showing particular class throughout despite falling just short of what would have been an impressive century.

The Hampshire man shared an excellent partnership with James Hayward (117*) and whilst Terry fell with the score at 248, Hayward continued to add to the total quickly. He was joined by James Hibberd who hit a well-made (41), but Hayward was the star of the show as he went on to record a superb unbeaten century off just 92 balls to help leave the visitors in control  on 396-5 after their allotted 50 overs.

In reply, several Hampshire Academy batsman looked in good touch but Joe Weatherly (28), Tom Alsop (28) and Andy Gorvin (30) were unable capitalise on their solid starts by turning them into more substantial scores.

With victory looking more and more unlikely as the innings progressed, important knocks from Taylor and Organ helped steady things and both youngsters took advantage of some valuable time in the middle to finish unbeaten after the hosts’ 50 overs.

Despite a large margin of victory for the away-side a number of positives were present for a Hampshire Academy side looking for a successful season ahead. 

Words: Will Brewster