By Tim Douglas 
Hawks March On
The Hampshire Hawks booked their ticket to Finals Day for the 11th time with a commanding 26-run victory over Durham in Chester-le-Street. Half-centuries from Toby Albert (68 off 37), Chris Lynn (51 off 27), and Hilton Cartwright (61 off 31) laid the platform for a formidable total of 221/8. Durham’s chase showed promise, but consistent breakthroughs from the Hawks ensured the home side fell short at 195/6.
Albert and Lynn Dominate the Powerplay
Durham skipper Alex Lees won the toss and elected to bowl, but the decision quickly backfired. Albert and Lynn were relentless from the outset, racing to 89 in the powerplay—a season-best start for Hampshire.
Albert, dropped early by Ollie Robinson, made Durham pay with a sparkling knock that featured towering sixes and crisp strokeplay. Lynn, too, was fluent, taking down Jimmy Neesham’s first over for 24. Both openers reached fifties before Nathan Sowter finally broke the stand, dismissing Lynn for 51.
Cartwright Continues the Charge
After Albert’s dismissal for 68, the momentum was maintained by Hilton Cartwright, who showcased innovation and power in equal measure. His 61 off 31 balls, including a reverse sweep and several powerful strikes, ensured Hampshire stayed ahead despite late wickets. Matthew Potts (2/35) and Sowter (1/37) managed to slow the scoring briefly, but the Hawks’ depth carried them to an imposing 221.
Durham Falter Despite Robinson’s Fight
Chasing 222 was always going to be steep. Durham lost Graham Clark cheaply and never recovered the fluency Hampshire had shown. David Bedingham (22) and Alex Lees (26) tried to steady the innings, but wickets fell at regular intervals.
The standout resistance came from Ollie Robinson, who remained unbeaten on 60 from 33 balls. His inventive ramp shots and late boundaries gave the crowd hope, but with little support from the middle order, Durham ended at 195/6.
Benny Howell (2/28) was the pick of Hampshire’s bowlers, with Chris Wood and Scott Currie also striking at crucial moments to stifle the chase.
Brief Scores
Hampshire 221/8 (Toby Albert 68, Hilton Cartwright 61, Chris Lynn 51; Matthew Potts 2/35, Nathan Sowter 1/37)
Durham 195/6 (Ollie Robinson 60*, Alex Lees 26; Benny Howell 2/28, Chris Wood 1/30)
Result: Hampshire won by 26 runs
Player of the Match: Toby Albert (68 off 37)