Youngster John Francis turned in his best ever one-day performance as he helped take Hampshire Hawks to a five wicket win over Essex Eagles at the Rose Bowl.

Early on Essex's openers Darren Robinson and Will Jefferson set the foundations for a strong innings from the visitors

Jefferson departed for 48, but the introduction of Zimbabwean Andy Flower continued to put runs on the board for Essex with stand-in captain Robinson.

The pair put on 75 for the second wicket before Robinson departed for 51.

James Tomlinson was the man to make the breakthrough, inducing a drive from Robinson who was caught at short cover by Francis.

Jon Dakin edged Essex past 200, finishing with 41 not out off just 32 balls as they reached 227 for four from their 45 overs

In the Hawks' innings Neil Johnson departed on only the second ball and with John Crawley (17) and Jason Laney (34) failing to make a big score Hampshire stuttered to 65 for three.

Francis and Kendall's fourth wicket stand handed the home side victory as they came together at the crease to add 142 in their partnership.

Kendall was trapped lbw by James Middlebrook for 51 from 60 balls and was soon joined back in the pavilion by Dmitri Mascarenhas for a duck.

However Francis struck an unbeaten 84 from 104 balls as Hampshire reached their target of 228 with one over to go.

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Published Monday August 19, 2002

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