Dominic Kelly delivered Hampshire's first List A hat-trick since 1981 and his first professional five-wicket haul, leading his team to a dominant 143-run victory over Derbyshire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
The 18-year-old fast bowler took out Zak Chappell, Harry Moore, and Daryl Dupavillon, becoming only the third player to achieve a hat-trick for Hampshire, joining John Rice and Malcolm Marshall.
Joe Weatherley laid the foundation for Hampshire’s total with an authoritative 93, supported by Nick Gubbins, who scored 50. Their partnership of 113 helped Hampshire set a target of 295.
Derbyshire, who had only Brooke Guest’s 44 to show for their efforts, struggled against Hampshire’s bowling attack. Despite Derbyshire winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Hampshire's top-order managed to build a solid innings after a slow start.
Fletcha Middleton contributed 30 runs, and Weatherley, after a patient start, notched up his seventh List A fifty in 88 balls, eventually reaching 93. Gubbins added a steady 50 from 59 balls. After Weatherley’s dismissal, Ben Brown’s quick 31 off 22 balls boosted Hampshire's total. The final overs saw Hampshire score 85 runs, setting their highest List A total against Derbyshire.
Derbyshire's chase faltered early. Luis Reece was dismissed on the third ball, Matt Lamb was caught off a top edge, and David Lloyd nicked a delivery to the keeper. Anuj Dal was bowled by Kelly’s pace. Although Brooke Guest showed promise with two sixes, he was run out after a mix-up with Samit Patel, and Ross Whiteley fell soon after.
Kelly’s hat-trick ended Derbyshire’s hopes, with Chappell caught, Moore bowled, and Dupavillon leg before wicket. This performance secured a significant win for Hampshire and ended their three-game losing streak.