HAMPSHIRE batsman Oli Soames has been awarded a two-year contract.

The opening batsman Soames impressed in the Second XI this season, before making 69 runs at 9.85 in the final four Specsavers County Championship matches.

They included first-innings scores of 25 and 29 against Worcestershire and Lancashire.

As revealed in the Daily Echo last week, Harry Came, a 20-year-old top-order batsman, has also signed a two-year deal after choosing to join his home county over Kent.

Hampshire director of cricket, Giles White said: “Oli and Harry are both exciting prospects and we’re delighted they’ve committed their future to Hampshire - we’re looking forward to seeing them progress over the next two seasons.”