Well, I'm sad about it of course, but Hampshire played some excellent cricket. They never stopped trying when Luke Wright was on the rampage, (he must be well cheesed off). And the opening stand between Vince and Carbury let me know just how supporters of other team felt as Sussex have done that many times earlier this season only to fall at the semi final hurdle, again! To top it all the people behind me were staunch Southampton supporters who were gloating because Pompey had lost. I turned round for a chat and they seemed genuinely worried that a guy with a Sussex top on turned out to be a Pompey fan as well, I sensed they were far from comfortable talking to me. I had to reassure them that good sport was the only thing on my agenda. they were even more confused when I bid them a cheery good luck for the final, as I headed for the exit, unable to witness any more of the drubbing Hampshire were handing out! Sid the Shark was on form and gave us a demonstration of Tai-kwon-do.
I remember being at Canterbury in the the pavilion once when the same happened with Pompey fans, I reassured them losing in the Prem was much better than losing in league 1 . Strange how supporting a Cricket County can not just let people enjoy the day for the right reasons.
It must be strange, having to share your county with each other. I have to share mine with Brighton fans, as well as Crawley now I suppose. But that can't be in any way as awkward as the Hampshire situation. It would probably help if some people didn't insist on wearing football shirts at the games and bought a nice cricket one instead.
Totally agree pm I used to love the cricket more back in the Barry Richards / Gordon Greenidge days and that was when football violence was at its worse, but for some reason ( which I take your point on not wearing football shirts ) Being a Hampshire supporter was just about being a Hampshire supporter. Maybe having grounds in Portsmouth, Bournemouth as well as Southampton must have helped.
In the old days, especially in the bigger counties, the outgrounds gave everyone a chance to see at least some cricket. The Rose bowl is great, but they should play some more games away from there.
