Five-star Jones supreme

May 12 2008

WORCESTERSHIRE seamer Simon Jones claimed five for 32 to help his side to a nine-wicket victory over Hampshire in their Friends Provident Trophy at New Road.

Jones finished with his best one-day figures which left the Hawks firmly anchored to the foot of the South/West Division table.

The Royals, facing a victory target of 210, stormed to their second successive win with a massive 22.3 overs to spare thanks to a dazzling opening partnership worth 160 in 19 overs between Vikram Solanki and Steve Davies.

Skipper Solanki led the way with a hard-hitting 81 while Davies added to Hants' agony by blazing to an undefeated 76.

Earlier, the visitors, after winning the toss, had found Jones a lively handful, particularly when he picked up his last four wickets in 11 balls for just five runs.

It easily eclipsed his previous best limited-overs return of three for 19 for his former county Glamorgan against Lancashire in 2005.

Hampshire batsman Greg Lamb, who top-scored with 84, including eight fours off 89 balls, was among Jones' impressive haul, which saw him finish with figures of 10-1-32-5 and restricted the visitors to 209 in 48 overs.