On This Day: Greenidge Blasts Hampshire To Sunday League Title

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

Gordon Greenidge (65) - Hampshire v Worcestershire, John Player Sunday League, Basingstoke: 9th July 1978

On their way to their second Sunday League trophy, Hampshire met Worcestershire at Basingstoke. It was also the Benefit Match for skipper Richard Gilliat who returned from injury and led his team to an important six-wicket victory over another side challenging for the title.

Worcestershire batted first as Andy Roberts (2-21) and Barry Richards appeared on home soil for the final time. Opener Glenn Turner led Worcestershire’s innings with 46 but a clatter of wickets left them at 113-6 with John Rice taking 4-39, and Cowley 2-5 in four overs. The target for Hampshire was 160 in 40 overs.

At 43-1, Richards (13) had been out-scored by Greenidge, who hit four sixes in an innings of 65 from 64 balls. With good support from Turner (25) and Jesty (41*) Hampshire won with eight overs and five balls to spare and the captain (11*) was there at the close.

It took Hampshire to first place, one win ahead of Worcestershire, Somerset and Derbyshire, and that is where they would finish.