On This Day: Hampshire Clinch 1992 B&H Cup

Read the latest instalment of our 'On This Day' series with contributions from Hampshire Cricket historian Dave Allen.

Hampshire v Kent, B&H Cup Final Day Two, 12th July 1992

By Dave Allen

The 1992 B&H Final resumed - on this day - on an overcast but fortunately dry Sunday morning with Kent on 6/0. A Robin Smith 90, along with contributions from the rest of Hampshire's batting line-up had seen them post 253/5 from their 55 overs on a rain affected first day.

Hampshire started day two well with an early wicket at 17 when Ward succumbed to that familiar dismissal, caught Parks, bowled Marshall (5). When Ayling trapped Taylor, again caught behind, Kent were struggling at 38-2.

The Kent captain Mark Benson posted 59 (bowled Kevan James) and restored some order with Hooper (28) but Udal got through the latter’s defences as Kent lost both batsmen on 116 just before lunch. Graham Cowdrey (27) and Fleming (32) added 55 in the afternoon, but Marshall and Ayling struck again – Fleming falling to a fine catch by the captain.

There was some late resistance from Ealham (23) but the task grew tougher and when he was bowled by Connor, Hampshire were winning. Kent were eventually all out on 217, halfway through the 54^th over and while Robin Smith certainly deserved the Gold Award this was a terrific all-round performance. On the balcony, Malcolm Marshall (3-33) took a special bow at the end.

Hampshire now held both trophies, although oddly their interest in the 1992 Nat West Trophy was already over as they had been beaten in round two on the previous Wednesday at Southampton – by Kent!

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