WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids took a giant step towards qualifying for the knockout stages of the One-Day Cup with an eight-wicket win against Hampshire.
After bowling the visitors out for just 164, Ed Pollock hit a fine half-century supported by Gareth Roderick as the Rapids cantered to victory inside 38 overs at New Road.
The result means Worcestershire sit second in the Group A standings behind Somerset who have already played all eight of their group matches.
After losing the toss and bowling first, Worcestershire’s young, inexperienced attack shone once again as Tommy Sturgess (1-23) accounted for opener Joe Weatherley (10) in the third over.
Hampshire rallied before Hishaam Khan (1-31) claimed the wicket of Hampshire’s other opener Fletcha Middleton (23).
And the impressive Jack Home (3-33) took two wickets in the 11th over, removing Hampshire captain Nick Gubbins (14) and Ben Brown (0) in the space of three deliveries.
Soon after, Ethan Brookes (2-15) accounted for Tom Prest (4) to leave the visitors in trouble on 64-5.
And just as Toby Albert (26) looked to put some runs on the board, Fateh Singh (2-27) trapped him LBW before also accounting for Felix Organ (9) with Hampshire on 97-7.
Tom Hinley (1-32) was next to strike as he removed Kyle Abbott (7) as Home grabbed his third wicket after bowling Brad Wheal (13).
And Brookes eventually took the wicket of Dominic Kelly (45) as the Rapids bowled Hampshire out for just 164 in 47.4 overs.
In reply, Worcestershire’s openers made an excellent start as Pollock (67) and Roderick (47) combined for a 104-run first-wicket stand.
Pollock’s knock came off just 60 deliveries and included 12 fours and a six before he fell to the bowling of Prest (1-29).
And Roderick fell just three runs short of a half-century as Nick Gubbins (1-15) struck.
However, Rob Jones (25 not out) and Jake Libby (20 not out) guided the Rapids to a comfortable eight-wicket win.
Worcestershire are next in action away at Lancashire on Wednesday, August 14 with the game to begin at 11am at Old Trafford.
