Hampshire semi final

[SirChef26]

Took only 2.5 overs to see that the Hampshire bowling attack is far too good for us. 171 is too much, so our best chance is a reduced game and DLS working in our favour.

Called it! Shortened game allowed us to burn through wickets and job done!

[nat]

Yes! Well done Sams, Critchley and Harmer. A reduced game is never satisfactory, but a win
is a great win. Phew.

Never mind all that. The prize money for winning/coming 2nd means the wages for 1-2 new players.

[spirali]

the Hampshire bowling attack is far too good for us

The Hants bowlers were feeling the pressure too. It's certainly an impressively pacey attack - Turner looked a very tricky proposition when he first came on but his third over went for 17, including a wide and a no-ball, which might have been the match.

Critchley MotM, quite rightly.

[bwildered]

 Captain Harmer guided the side home, by not leaving it to the last delivery .
Became swingville by the end. Dawson showed his class and experience.

[essexspur]

Brilliant from Sams, Critchley and Harmer backing themselves to hit 6s. It’s great to see nerves get to a really top team like Hampshire. I had this feeling when Lawrence announced he was leaving that we’d win the double like we did when Ravi left. COYE

[Slogger]

Dawson underbowled - cost Hants the game?

[bwildered]

 Good that the fans see two Essex games. Can’t be worse that seeing your side lose the first semi .

[spirali]

Lanky the giraffe wins the mascot race. Magnificent performance by the long-necked quadruped.

[Slogger]

Good that the fans see two Essex games. Can’t be worse that seeing your side lose the first semi .

I always feel for fans who have spent £95 and are going home after the first game. Hants probably had the longest journey today too. It's happened to us a few times, of course.

[Reddevil]

No doubt huge toss to win, chasing in a rain affected match, further benefitting from crucial run reduction.

Partnership of Critchley, what a great all rounder he is, and Sams, the player we most like to criticise for perceived under achieving, saw us through to a somewhat fortunate final, which will be tougher than this was. Thank you rain.

I thought we had chucked it away through loose bowling the last few overs, and if the match had run its full course those extra 20 runs would have been pivotal.

If luck is on your side, ensure you take full advantage. That we did in spades and great credit to the team.

As one of the Sky pundits said, possibly Cork, Essex may be underdogs but no side wants to face them. For once I agree with Cork.

We are the box of chocolates side, with more hard centres than soft.

Great great performance.

 

[spirali]

Sams, the player we most like to criticise for perceived under achieving

We're well past that now, surely. He's been the 'MVP' (not just for us, for anyone) over the whole tournament so far.

[Slogger]

I don't watch Sky cricket much, but I have to say the standard of their commentators is lamentable. Constant drivel and they haven't even bothered to check out the playing conditions.

What would Richie Benaud have made of it? His watchword was only speak when you can add to what the viewer can see.

[nat]

I don't watch Sky cricket much, but I have to say the standard of their commentators is lamentable. Constant drivel and they haven't even bothered to check out the playing conditions.

What would Richie Benaud have made of it? His watchword was only speak when you can add to what the viewer can see.

Cork lowers the tone of the whole event.

[spirali]

I like Sangakkara. What he has to say is actually worth hearing. The rest... hmmm.

Alex Tudor getting the Overtons mixed up.

[Perov]

Lanky the giraffe wins the mascot race. Magnificent performance by the long-necked quadruped.
[/quote

Our mascot was so slow in completing  the task, I suspect it was Katherine Newton in the costume.