Hampshire Hawks finally broke the shackles of their run of Norwich Union League defeats when the secured a favourable result against the Essex Eagles.

Having started a run of 6 successive NUL defeats, which got off the mark when the Hawks fell apart after looking comfortable against the same Essex Eagles at Southend a month ago, they looked for revenge and achieved thanks to a superb career best 84 not out by 21 year old John Francis, and good support from skipper Will Kendall in a 132 run partnership that brought about recovery from a perilous 65 for 3.

When Essex Eagles who chose to bat started well, the signs were ominous for a hugh score, however despite Chris Tremlett limping off with a foot injury after 1 over and 1 ball, the bowlers srtuck to their tasks superbly to restrict the visitors to 227 for 4. There were half centuries from Robinson and Flower

Shaun Udal was the pick of the bowlers with a return of 2-31, and this despite running off the field to have his hand attended to after a sharp piece of fielding.

A total of 18 wides bowled by the Eagles, did not assist their cause, but two wins in two days for Hampshire has brough a smile back to The Rose Bowl.

© Hampshire Cricket