Hampshire scrape home

Adam Wheater's promising knock was not enough for Essex against Hampshire

Essex teenager Adam Wheater’s valiant half-century narrowly failed to stop Hampshire running out winners in the Second XI Trophy final at Chelmsford.

The 18-year-old’s unbeaten 52, made from 57 balls, spearheaded Essex’s reply in chasing down Hampshire’s total of 220 for seven from 50 overs.

Essex had slumped to 150 for nine but a spirited 10th-wicket partnership between Wheater and Jahid Ahmed, who made 23 off 35 balls, put the home side within touching distance.

Ahmed, however, fell to Greg Lamb with Essex agonisingly short of their target - bowled out for 213 in 46.5 overs.

Seventeen-year-old James Vince had earlier top-scored for Hampshire with 58, with Kevin Latouf and Tom Burrows also chipping in with 44 and 38 respectively.

Seamer Ahmed picked up 2-32 for Essex with Tony Palladino, Chris Wright, Tim Phillips and Tom Westley all grabbing a wicket apiece.

In response, Essex sank to 36 for three as Tom Parsons (2-40) and David Griffiths (1-46) removed the top three cheaply.

Phillips weighed in with 41 from 57 balls before Wheater, who cracked two sixes and one four during his innings, and Ahmed looked to have put Essex in the driving seat.

Lamb had other ideas and, in ending Ahmed’s resistance, also became one of four Hampshire bowlers to pick up two wickets.