http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hampshire-c789 vs Somerset – Friends Life T20 Semi-finals – Yorkshire, Hampshire triumph to book Champions League spots - Part 2
In the other semi-final, Somerset again faltered at the big stage and suffered a straightforward loss to Hampshire. It was their fifth cup defeat over the past two seasons, having already buckled under pressure in the three previous T20 editions.
In an attempt to overcome their finals’ hoodoo, the Sabres hired a sports psychologist John Pit, who was tasked with the responsibility of working with the player’s mental strength. However, as it panned out, the defeat again left Somerset in agony and has further pushed them against the wall in the face of criticism.
The manner of the loss has put their previous defeats under the spotlight as well, giving more strength to claims of them being chokers. Sent into bat, they hardly put a fight throughout the game and largely relied on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/C-Kieswetter-c1206 to guide them to a total of respectability.
The top and middle-order faltered big time as Hampshire pinned them back on 58 for 5 in 12.3 overs. Royals’ skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Marcus-Trescothick-c1898, in successive overs to end with impressive tally of 4-0-11-2.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Peter-Trego-c2181. With half the side out, Somerset’s innings was destined for an early finish but Kieswetter rallied on to post an unbeaten 63 off 58, taking the team to 125.
That remained the lowest finals day total and Hampshire always looked in control of the proceedings, despite a few stutters in the early half of the chase. The opening pair added 33 before a break in rhythm saw them being reduced to 52 for 3. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sean-Ervine-c2471’s unbeaten stand quashed any such thoughts. Both managed 30-odd runs as the Royals reached the victory target with an over to spare.
"It is dreadful," said Trescothick, the losing skipper. "There is so much time and effort goes in, so much dedication and practice and blood, sweat and tears that you do behind the scenes. We keep putting ourselves in a position to be shot down. At the moment we are not quite achieving what we know we can. At some point we will get it right, I'm sure."
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