2:00pm Friday 30th July 2010
By Dan Barnes
HAMPSHIRE hero James Vince says that firing his side into finals day of the Friends Provident Twenty20 was one of the best moments of his career.
The 19 year-old batsman, who grew up in Steeple Ashton, struck an unbeaten 66 from 59 balls in Hampshire’s single-run quarter-final victory over Warwickshire at Edgbaston on Monday night.
Vince smashed the winning run off the final ball to see his side to their target of 154, sending Hampshire to finals day for the first time.
“It’s right up there and it’s probably the best game I’ve ever been involved in,” said the former Warminster School pupil.
“To be playing for a place in finals day was amazing and it was great that I managed to see the game through with the bat – it was a great feeling to get that winning run and know that we’re going to be in the semi-final.
“It’s been a great effort all round from the guys and there’s been different players that have done well at different times.”
Vince now lives in Southampton and the former Chippenham youth player is enjoying a breakthrough season at Hampshire.
“There are always nerves before you play in a game but it’s been great to have been involved as much as I have,” he said.
“I’ve had quite a few good starts to innings and not got too many big scores but I’m happy with how I’ve played. Hopefully I can try and get a few bigger scores in the coming weeks.
“I’m looking forward to the finals day but we’ve got a few games in the championship to concentrate on first and hopefully we can get a few wins in those.”
The finals day, at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl on August 14 , will be the county’s first appearance in a Twenty20 showpiece.
Vince said he is hoping he will get the chance to show what he can do in front of his home crowd.
Paul Rowson managed Vince at U13 an U15 level for Chippenham and said he is not surprised at the progress the young star has made.
“He was always playing in the U15s even though he was 13,” said Rowson.
“He’s making his name now and he’s a great, naturally-gifted player.”
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