HAMPSHIRE captain Georgia Adams declared "it was really special" as her ton helped the women's side beat Essex in the One-Day Cup.

Adams (110) won the battle of the century-making skippers as Hampshire won by 17 runs, with assistance from Rhianna Southby’s 61 and Ella McCaughan’s 44, totting up to 273 for five.

Essex skipper Grace Scrivens replied with a classy 101, but left-arm spinner Linsey Smith took four for 33 to give Hampshire their fourth victory in six matches to remain amongst the pacesetters, while Essex remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

“It was really special. I think I’ve been frustrated with some of my innings in the past, that I’ve got a few 70s and 80s and not converted to three figures," said Adams. 

"The way we went about setting a total today, I’m chuffed to bits to get us to a competitive score and finally get to three figures again as it has been a while.

“I wanted to just rebuild with Ella McCaughan going well. She is having a great season so far and looked really calm at the crease.

“I put on a partnership with her and then Rhi was phenomenal when she came in. She kept the scoring rate ticking nicely and the scoreboard flowing.

“Everyone held their nerve brilliantly today. They were cruising quite comfortably for a large portion of that game but it shows that if you keep going at them and the bowlers stay patient and clinical, then wickets at the end can crumble in a chase.

“I’ve been on the receiving end of far too many Scriven runs! She is a good mate of mine, so I’ll let her off. As a battler, you naturally relax.

"Part of me wanted her to try and kick on and give us an ink. She batted outstandingly and navigated the chase so well. Getting the wicket was crucial.

“Linsey has just been outstanding. She has really matured in the last couple of years in terms of the knowledge of her own game.

"She tries to keep it simple and put it on a shoestring. She doesn’t miss those stumps and is so economical. I’m chuffed for her today.”