ESSEX suffered a heavy defeat in their bid to reach the Twenty20 Finals day, as they were hammered by Hampshire on Thursday evening. After Hants won the toss, they elected to have first use of the Rose Bowl surface, and set about posting a huge total. Ope

ESSEX suffered a heavy defeat in their bid to reach the Twenty20 Finals day, as they were hammered by Hampshire on Thursday evening.

After Hants won the toss, they elected to have first use of the Rose Bowl surface, and set about posting a huge total.

Opener Michael Lumb batted through the entire innings, making a magnificent 124 not out from just 69 balls with 14 fours and six sixes.

Maurice Chambers struck to remove Jimmy Adams early on, but Michael Carberry then played his part in a stand of 170 for the second wicket, smashing 62.

Danish Kaneria eventually picked up Carberry, but by then, Hants had amassed 219-2 from their 20 overs.

In reply, Essex needed a fast start, but Alastair Cook (1), Varun Chopra (0) and Mark Pettini (9) were all back in the pavilion with the score on 15.

Matt Walker dug in to make 50, while Grant Flower contributed 27, but once that partnership was broken, the innings turned into a procession.

James Middlebrook thrashed a quickfire 32, but wicketkeeper Adam Wheater could only reach four from eight balls.

Kaneria was caught after hitting 12, before David Masters was lbw first ball, and once last man Chambers was run out, it was all over.

Essex are back in County Championship action this week, before they travel to Cambridge University for a friendly (tomorrow).