Bransgrove eyes Lord's showpiece

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove has praised his team after they reached the Friends Provident Trophy final.

The Hawks beat Lancashire by 64 runs in Sunday's semi-final at Old Trafford to book a Lord's date with local rivals Sussex on 25 July.

And Bransgrove told BBC Radio Solent: "Hampshire cricket is really here on the map this year.

"We've reached the Twenty20 quarters, the final of the FP Trophy, and we're still hanging on in the Championship."

"It's all a bonus for us and I'm sure we'll give a good account of ourselves against Sussex"

Hampshire will be making their third appearance in the final of English cricket's one-day trophy in four years.

They beat Warwickshire at Lord's to win the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy in 2005, but were hammered by Durham in the first FP Trophy final two years later.

In the other semi-final, Sussex booked their place at Lord's by beating Gloucestershire by 34 runs at Hove. And Bransgrove admits that that a showpiece meeting between the two South Coast neighbours will guarantee a fantastic atmosphere.

"You couldn't have a better tie," he said. "It is going to be absolutely outstanding and I can't wait.

"To make a cup final is fantastic. It's all a bonus for us and I'm sure we'll give a good account of ourselves against Sussex. The South Coast will be empty for the day."

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