Report & Reaction: Hampshire Hawks v Somerset, Vitality Blast

Josh Davey led a high-quality bowling display as Somerset beat Hampshire Hawks to maintain their perfect start to the Vitality Blast with a four-wicket victory at The Ageas Bowl.

Fast bowler Davey claimed a three-for for the second day in a row as he went for 21 in his four overs as the Hawks were bowled out for 123.

Tom Banton, Will Smeed and Hampshire old boy Rilee Rossouw all reached 20s, but a slip to 89 for five gave a moment of jitters before Tom Lammonby collected a classy 33 to steady the ship as Somerset got over the line with 25 balls to spare.

Runners-up last year Somerset have disposed of holders Kent Spitfires, 2019 winners Essex Eagles and now the Hawks to sit level on points with Middlesex at the top of the South Group. Hampshire are bottom with two home losses in two.

Along with the after-effects of some afternoon rain, there was revenge in the air from both teams; Somerset for their two heavy LV= Insurance County Championship defeats to Hampshire, Hampshire for their semi-final T20 defeat last year.

The visitors’ sense of retribution was stronger as they had the Hawks 38 for three in the powerplay, having been stuck in. Aneurin Donald, Ben McDermott and Joe Weatherley all went aerial to their demise. James Vince perished to further condemn the home side.

Somerset’s set of bowling figures were a sight to behold – only Lewis Goldsworthy went at over seven runs per over; and other than Goldsworthy and Roelof van der Merwe, they all claimed at least one wicket.

Davey’s three for was the pick, but Lewis Gregory’s two for eight and Marchant de Lange’s two for 20 were key to moderating the below-par batting effort. Ben Green also worked hard in the middle overs for his two for 19.

They were helped by some excellent catching, not least Tom Lammonby and Smeed’s relay catch to dismiss Chris Wood.

James Fuller was the only counter-attacker as he biffed 42 from 28 balls, including two massive sixes over midwicket – no other Hawks batter reached 20.

Smeed and Banton added further misery to the hosts by proving the potential high scoring nature with 46 coming for the first wicket. Both fell in successive overs, carving to cover and nicking off respectively.

Australian recruit Nathan Ellis endured a tough first over, which saw two no balls, a huge Smeed six and 17 runs.

Rossouw returned to The Ageas Bowl, where he spent three seasons as a Kolpak, to strike a six off his legs. He, Tom Abell and Gregory all fell within 12 balls of each other to give the Hawks hope.

But Lammonby then struck 33 to ease those worries and despite edging Ellis behind with two runs to win, Somerset quickly reached the target.

Fans enjoying a summer’s afternoon or evening of Vitality Blast action at The Ageas Bowl can look forward to free family-friendly activities, live music and a whole host of off-pitch entertainment as well as the best food and drink in English cricket – that’s in addition to all the edge-of-your-seat cricketing action that T20 promises.

Vitality Blast Passports have now sold out after a record number of fans secured their seven-match passes. Individual match tickets are on sale for this summer’s Vitality Blast at the discounted Advance rate until 11:59pm the day before each match. Click the link below to purchase yours.

Hampshire Hawks have also announced a brand-new type of ticket for this summer’s T20 matches at The Ageas Bowl, the Vitality Blast Plus ticket, which offers an upgrade on general admission tickets with premium reserved seating and access to a private, pitch-facing lounge and bar.

Vitality Blast Plus tickets have sold out for the mouth-watering T20 ‘el clasicoast’ double-header on Saturday 4th June but a limited number of these new tickets are still available at the Advance rate for each of Hampshire Hawks’ six other Vitality Blast matches.

Getting to The Ageas Bowl for this summer’s Vitality Blast will be easier and more affordable than ever before as fans will be able to make use of free buses running to and from The Ageas Bowl from Hedge End and Southampton Airport Parkway train stations. 

These free direct buses will be available from both Southampton Airport Parkway Railway Station and Hedge End Station, running continuously from 4:30pm for weekday fixtures and 12pm for weekend fixtures.

The buses will depart from immediately outside both stations - simply head for the Hampshire Hawks flags upon arrival at the stations!

The buses heading back to the stations from The Ageas Bowl will depart from opposite the West Gate turnstiles and the last bus back to the stations will leave 30 minutes after the end of the match.

You won't need a ticket or any accreditation to use the free buses - simply turn up at the stations and get on board - however, if you are planning to use the buses we would ask you to complete the short registration form (available below) to ensure we're able to provide enough vehicles for all fans using the services.