EDDIE Abel went on a six-hitting spree as South Wilts surged into Tuesday’s Southern Electric twenty20 Cup final showdown with Havant by beating Hampshire’s young Academy side by 56 runs.
Abel launched six maximums from the Nursery Ground on to the Ageas Bowl terraces in a blistering 31-ball 71 as South Wilts powered to 227-3.
Openers James Hayward (56) and Tom Morton (24) applied the long handle to the Academy attack before Abel began his assault.
Jack Mynott added 48 at the end of the South Wilts innings.
The Academy replied with a creditable 171-9, Ben Duggan (30) and Harry Came (27) top scoring.
Havant eased to a comfortable 50-run win over visiting Bashley (Rydal) in the other semi-final.
Rob Gibson (42) and Chris Stone (39) provided handy runs up front for Havant, while Stu Ransley (26) and Ben Walker (18) ensured the hosts’ 149-9 (Simon Watkins 4-21) would be sufficient.
Tom Andrews took two wickets in his farewell Bashley appearance and top scored with 22 as Bashley, strangled by spin, were dismissed for 99 in reply – Graham Burns taking 3-18.
The Southern Electric t20 Cup final is under the Ageas Bowl floodlights from 7pm.
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