On This Day: Benham Century Sets Hampshire On Their Way

Hampshire Cricket's historian Dave Allen takes a look back on timely memorable moments in his ‘On This Day’ series.

Chris Benham (108*) - Hampshire Hawks v Leicestershire Foxes, Friends Provident Trophy - 3rd May 2009

Hampshire met Leicestershire at the Rose Bowl on 3rd May 2009 and won the second of their first three matches in the Friends Provident Trophy, on their way to a Lord’s Final, and victory over Sussex.

Stand-in captain Nic Pothas won the toss and chose to bat, and despite the early loss of Michael Lumb, they reached 85 when the second wicket fell, then pushed on to 114 when a mini collapse saw three go for just nine runs.

At 123-5 they were struggling somewhat but then Pothas (57*) limping and with a runner, supported Chris Benham (108*).

They posted 177* a county record in List A for the sixth wicket and Leicestershire’s target was 301.

All the top-order Leicestershire batsmen ‘got in’ but the first two wickets went at 46, 118-2 became 140-5 and from 234-6 (Nixon 50) they lost the last four wickets for eight runs.

Hampshire were on their way.