ESSEX Eagles crashed to a nine-wicket defeat to Hampshire Royals as they started their Yorkshire Bank 40 campaign at Chelmsford tonight.
Hampshire won the toss and put their hosts into bat. Australian opener Rob Quiney top-scored with 71 and there were decent knock of 50 from Graham Napier and 47 from Greg Smith as Essex posted 244-7 from their 40-over allocation.
But the Royals made light of their target as they rattled off the runs to win by nine wickets after replying with 245-1 in 29.4 overs.
Michael Carberry's was the only wicket to fall. He he was caught and bowled by Napier after the Hampshire opener posted 65.
But his opening partner James Vince walloped an unbeaten 129, including 17 fours and a six. and was kept company by captain James Adams (29) as the defending champions claimed victory.
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