On a day where the sun beamed over Visit Worcestershire New Road, it was Ben Allison who shone the brightest, as his 6-35 saw the Rapids ease to victory over Hampshire and continue their unbeaten start to Group A of the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
The seamer, who usurped his previous best figures of 5-44 achieved earlier in the season, showed his full array of skills on his way to a memorable six-wicket haul in what was a comfortable win for the Rapids in the end.
After a frustrating tie away at Notts Outlaws to open up the campaign, back to back wins over Essex and now Hampshire have put the Rapids in healthy position, unbeaten, second in the table.
Allison, was very pleased with how the group sprung back to form.
“Everyone fulfilled their goals perfectly, you know, after a game that ideally we probably would have looked back on at Notts and think that’s two points that got away.
“I think the boys have reacted and bounced back perfectly. I wasn’t expecting it, but I am absolutely delighted with the outcome at the end of the day.
“One Day cricket, sometimes when I’ve played, it’s not gone my way, but thankfully today it has.
“I think when I’m at my best, potentially I try and hit that pitch a bit more and there was a little bit there for me today. So luckily, I’ve got a few wickets in the bag there to show for it.”
Even after a clinical bowling performance saw the home side take wickets at regular intervals and restrict their opponents to 196, no chase was going to be straightforward on a pitch that offered just enough to keep the bowlers interested.
The standout theme of the campaign to this point has been the renewed confidence the Worcestershire batters have adopted in the 50-over format, which saw them accumulate back-to-back scores of 300-plus in their opening two matches.
The chase of 196, was led by Brett D’Oliveira, who’s half-century set up the likes if Kashif Ali (32) and Jake Libby (30) to come to the middle and bat at their respective tempo’s and keep the home side in pole position throughout.
The gear change happened when Ethan Brookes came to the crease and continued his exceptional recent white-ball form with another blazing cameo of 35 from just 28 balls, to break the back of the chase.
Allison, said it comes as no surprise that Brookes continues to deliver, in what was an overall very professional display.
“It was very measured and the boys went about their business perfectly.
“Chasing 190 is never going to get too far drift anyway, but chasing with what, 12 overs to spare, sort of highlights what a really good all round performance that was by the boys.
“Ethan’s been outstanding, he’s had an outstanding season, and for him to keep doing his thing we’ve seen already in this one day cup, hopefully keeps doing for us as well.
