A right old mix

So, where to start? On Friday night a right thumping was handed out to the Royals by those idiots at Hove. Bloody Murray Goodwin. Next day Hampshire travelled to Bristol to play Gloucestershire infront of the Sky cameras (only them - there was no crowd). Gloucs won the toss and chose to bat. Pitch looked decent, nice warm sunny day and we skittled 'em for 68 (!!!). A combination of good bowling, good field work and diabolical shot selection made Gloucestershire's batting look as commanding as a giraffe on ice (bbc's new celebrity contestant show). There were two double wicket maidens, one for the mightily impressive Wood and one for Slug, who was made to look like Courtney Walsh on a minefield (ITV's new risque Saturday night show). Slug finished with figures of 4-1-12-4, as even Danny Briggs got in on the act and Dawson bowled 2 full overs for 4. In reply Hampshire seemed to have learnt the lessons of the Kent and Somerset game by chasing down the total in 7.3 overs, the fastest ever non-weather affected chase. Lumb and Adams played ok, Adams showing there was nothing in the pitch by driving 3 balls for four through the covers. Fired up Steve Kirby got rid of both openers in an over and bless him he had his moment, though not even he knew that Gloucs would get anything from the game. James Vince and Slug came to the crease and in his first 20/20 game Vince scored 26 runs, 24 of them in 4s. Slug ended up 15* from 7 balls, whilst McKenzie danced down the track to his second ball and creamed Banerjee over long-off for a one bounce 4. Gidman tried to look interested on Gloucs' behalf by moaning to the Umpires about the scoreboard, but the game was over, done and dusted, Slug man of the match and an early dinner for Hampshire.

Not all good came out of the game though. Dan Christian bowled two balls, including a perfect yorker, then hobbled off clutching his calf. He's out for two weeks and Hampshire's overseas troubles continue. On a happier note, Simon Jones is reportedly fit to play the Tuesday game against Surrey. Bloody hell.