Hampshire Hawks secured their maiden victory of the Women's T20 Blast season, defeating Essex by 23 runs in a tightly contested match. The Hawks' spin trio—Bex Tyson, Georgia Adams, and Amanda-Jade Wellington—delivered a combined 12 overs at barely a run a ball, stifling Essex's chase.
Batting first, Hampshire posted 160-7, with Naomi Dattani top-scoring with 31. Essex's Kate Coppack was the standout bowler, taking 4-18 and consistently breaking partnerships. Despite a strong start, no Hampshire batter pushed on to a major score, but a late flourish from Wellington and Poppy Tulloch (21 off the final seven balls) gave the hosts momentum.
Essex's chase faltered early, managing only 28 runs in the powerplay after Hampshire's Dattani dismissed both openers. Cordelia Griffith (40) and Jodi Grewcock (57 not out) rebuilt with a 71-run stand, but the spin trio tightened the screws, taking regular wickets to leave Grewcock's unbeaten half-century in vain. Adams finished with 2-26, Wellington 2-27, and Tyson 1-21.
"The spinners locked things down and made sure of the win," said a team spokesperson.
Essex, who had scored 76 in the powerplay in their previous match, were held to just 28 this time, unable to replicate their earlier form.