Date-stamped : 03 May97 - 06:14
Hants v Gloucs

Gloucs (263-9) bt Hants (261-9) by 2 runs

A match dominated  by  two  fine  innings,   gold   award  winner
Monte  Lynch`s  87  for  Gloucestershire and Robin Smith`s 92 for
Hampshire, went narrowly the way of the  visitors   on   a  slow,
easy-paced pitch at Southampton, writes David Green.

Gloucestershire, who won the toss, started confidently, but  Nick
Trainor (26 off 79 balls) became bogged  down  and it was as well
that Lynch was in form.

Lynch faced only 80  balls,  hitting   seven   fours   and  three
sixes  before   holing   out   at  deep  midwicket.  Hampshire`s,
indeed the game`s, best bowler was Shaun  Udal  whose  flight and
variations of pace puzzled all.

Hampshire began poorly, losing openers Jason Laney   and  Matthew
Hayden  in  the  first  four  overs for six runs but  Smith, ably
assisted by Udal, rapidly got them up with the clock.

When Smith was caught at cover off a rasping  drive  he  had  hit
nine  fours  and  two sixes. Hampshire`s innings  declined before
Shaun Young`s steadiness, but  gallant  hitting  from   the  tail
almost brought Hampshire their first pool victory.

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/)

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