The first piece of silverware in the domestic cricket season will be won on Saturday when Hampshire meet Somerset in a southern battle in the Royal London One Day Cup final at Lord’s, in what will be the last 50 over final in its present guise.
Hampshire have made it this far in the defence of their title but they face a dangerous Somerset side who have been on fire in all competitions so far this season so we are set up for a cracking contest to determine the champions.
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Hampshire
With the exception of one slip up against Essex in the group stage, Hampshire have been near flawless in this competition so far. They have won their other seven group matches and then blitzed through their semi-final. If anything they have been even stronger this season than last when they went on to win the final by overcoming Kent in the final. That experience should not go underestimated either.
Only three times in this competition have Hampshire not scored 290 with the bat, and there was every chance in one of the ones they didn’t make that number that they would have done had they not reached their target of 216. Only twice in nine outings have Hampshire conceded more than 300 which highlights that both facets of their game is in very good order heading into the final.
Somerset
It has been a while since Somerset have been threatening one day honours this deep into the tournament but they are very worthy finalists themselves. They were nothing like as convincing as their opponents in this final in the group stage but when the knockout matches came along they raised their game in a big way and powered their way to Lord’s. When they won their semi-final it could be said they had nothing to lose here but that isn’t the case any longer.
That is because their form in the County Championship has been incredible and all of a sudden they look like the best side in the country. Much like Hampshire, Somerset tick all the boxes heading into this final. They are a young, dynamic batting order which has plenty of depth to it and then they have plenty of quality with the ball to get the job done as well.
Team News
Hampshire have been rocked by the news that Liam Dawson and James Vince will miss out on this final as they are in England’s World Cup squad. Ajinkya Rahane did not play in the group matches so he is ineligible for this final.
Somerset have had a doubt over Tom Banton in the lead up to this final but coach Jason Kerr expects him to be fit to play. Steven Davies would deputise if he is not fit. That aside, Somerset appear to have a full strength squad to select from.
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Betting
Hampshire are currently on the drift for this final and while I know why with James Vince and Liam Dawson being absent, I’m not sure the market now represents their chance of winning this match. Usually Vince would be a huge loss as captain but Sam Northeast is every bit as good in that department and actually when these two sides met in the group stage Hampshire delivered a huge victory and Vince never played. Dawson did but didn’t bat so just how much the two will be missed is more open than first thought. I don’t think there is too much between these two sides. Somerset probably edge it with the bat but Hampshire have the better bowling attack. Ultimately it is the bowlers who deliver the goods on the big stage so I’m happy to take the bigger price on Hampshire.
I also like the 12/1 on Joe Weatherley to top score for Hampshire in this final. If I’m honest I don’t expect him to top score but I’m priced in here because he will definitely bat somewhere in the top five and he goes into the game off the back of a 60 odd against Nottinghamshire in the Championship this week. Earlier in the season, in a second XI one day match he clobbered 143 in no time against Surrey so he can play lengthy one day innings. Wherever he bats in the order you would think he will get a decent go so at the price he has to be taken even though one or two others may have a start on him.
Tips
Back Hampshire to beat Somerset for a 4/10 stake at 2.10 with Boylesports
Back them here:
Back J.Weatherley Top Hampshire Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 13.00 with 888sport
Back him here:
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