Hampshire promotion hopes fade in the darkness

Any lingering hope that Hampshire Hawks had of making a late charge for promotion died this evening when skipper Will Kendall lost the toss at the Oval home of the Surrey Lions, in the day/night encounter in Division II of the Norwich Union League.

In perfect batting conditions, and perfect light, the Lions made hay against a Hawks attack without their main strike bowlers, Mullally and Tremlett. There were contributions down the order, without any one batsman taking charge. Dimitri Mascarenhas was the pick of the pack with 4 wickets, with Neil Johnson recording a National League best return of 3-42.

The 3:10 start, ordered by the local council, meant Hampshire started their reply in brighter light, and it showed with Johnson and Laney striking a useful opening stand.

Two run outs, however put the visitors on the back foot, Laney needed a tight decision from the third umpire, and James Hamblin's frenetic innings ended with him stranded in mid-wicket.

Adam Hollioake, bowling his variety, then took over, as the light faded, so did the innings, as new batsmen came and went before they could get their eyes open to the appalling lights system. Hollioake taking a five wicket haul for the second time.

Even the Sky TV commentators critisised the lights, which were appalling. Such a large ground as the oval needs extra lights, much of the outfield was dull, and the wicket area barely playable.

If the authorities wish to make this floodlit less of a lottery, and generally decided on the toss of a coin, then they will have to improve the system.