Holland holds his nerve to end long unbeaten record
Essex are beaten for the first time in 13 months ...
Cameron Delport survived carving straight to a juggling Fuller at point, but generally found himself shackled as Hampshire bowled accurately.
Teenager Scott Currie was struck for 16 in his sole over on debut, against Sussex, but found control and his maiden professional wicket – Chopra drilling to mid-on.
Crane, who had taken three for 24 at Chelmsford last season, continued the visitors’
Mason Crane dominance through the middle overs.
The leg-spinner had Delport caught slog sweeping, Tom Westley stumped and Dan Lawrence chipping a reverse sweep up to short fine leg George Munsey.
But along with his wickets, Crane kept the runrate down – only going for one boundary, a straight-six from Westley.
The Eagles failed to hit a boundary between the ninth and 15th overs but thanks to the ageless Ryan ten Doeschate reached a competitive score.
The Dutchman enjoyed partnerships of 39 and 30 with Adam Wheater and Paul Walter, split by the wicketkeeper slapping former Ageas Bowl colleague Chris Wood to Northeast at extra cover. Ten Doeschate, 40, showed little thrills with his unbeaten 37 from 29 ball, although he did strike Wood back over his head for six.
It was Hampshire’s first win after an abandonment at Kent – where they were on course to lose – and defeat at Sussex.
‘It rained the first game, but
Mason Crane only conceded one boundary in the 24 balls he bowled we were in a tough spot there, and then the last game was tough to take as we showed some fight,’ said Crane.
‘But to get over the line today was a really good effort from the boys.
‘It got close but the key to a game like that is to stay in the game with five overs to go, and we did that with wickets in hand.
‘Dutchy and Foz saw us home really well. They took the pressure well.
‘They are the type of games you want to be winning as it shows we are a good side and have enough about us.’
Hampshire’s next Blast game is against Surrey at The Kia Oval tomorrow (6.30pm), a game where some fans will be allowed in to watch.
The key to a game like that is to stay in the game with five overs to go, and we did that