Match Preview: Hampshire Men v Essex, Rothesay County Championship
Hampshire Men host Essex at Utilita Bowl in the opening round of the 2026 Rothesay County Championship over Easter weekend
Hampshire Cricket have fought off competition from a number of counties to sign promising young Oxfordshire bowler Rory Hipwell to their Academy.
The 16-year old fast-bowler caught the eye of the Hampshire coaching staff representing South and West at the Bunbury Festival – an annual event designed to discover and nurture the talents of many young cricketers from across the country.
We are delighted that Rory has decided to join us at Hampshire, he is a very high potential young fast bowler and we are looking forward to working with him at the The Ageas Bowl this winter and also watching him perform in a Hampshire shirt for the 2016 season.
Charlie Freeston, Hampshire Cricket Head of Player Development
Hipwell who is a pupil at St Edwards School, Oxford and plays his club cricket for Horspath Cricket Club, will begin training at the The Ageas Bowl this winter ahead of the 2016 season.
I very much look forward to joining Hampshire. It is an opportunity that I could have only dreamed of when I started playing cricket years ago. I will look to cherish every moment that I have to train in such a professional and quality environment and make my cricket the best it could ever be.
Rory Hipwell
Hampshire Men host Essex at Utilita Bowl in the opening round of the 2026 Rothesay County Championship over Easter weekend
View the latest scorecard from Hampshire women's pre-season friendly against Warwickshire at Edgbaston
Hampshire Women head to Birmingham to play Warwickshire in their first 50-over friendly of the season