On This Day: Kev James Impresses In Sunday League Win

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

Hampshire v Kent, RAL Sunday League, 12th May 1991

Hampshire won an impressive but tight RAL Sunday League victory over Kent at Southampton on this day in 1991, thanks mainly to a fine all-round performance by Kevan James, supported with the bat by his captain.

Kent won the toss and batted first, but lost Taylor and Ward early to a wicket each from Hampshire’s openers James and Aaqib Javed. From 27-2, Benson and Graham Cowdrey added 78 while Richard Ellison was 24* as Kent posted 187-9 in 39 overs (James 2-31, Bakker 2-36).

In similar fashion, Hampshire lost Terry and Gower cheaply, slipping to 16-2, 48-3 and 76-4. Nicholas (43) was joined by James and the pair added 70, but when the captain was bowled by Igglesden, they still needed 42.

James then took control with good support from Adi Aymes (15*) and Hampshire won by five wickets with just two balls to spare; James 58*.

Hampshire did not go on to win the League that season but they beat Surrey at Lord’s in the Nat West Trophy Final.