JAMES Taylor was once again the scourge of the Hampshire Royals as Nottinghamshire Outlaws kept their hopes of a Clydesdale Bank 40 semi-final place alive with a crushing six-wicket victory over the Group B leaders at Trent Bridge.

Hampshire had only lost once previously in the competition this summer, to Nottinghamshire at the Ageas Bowl in late May.

Taylor had been the orchestrator of their downfall that night as he slammed 115 not out off 77 balls, including seven sixes.

This time he was altogether more circumspect in his innings of 74, but no less effective.

With the aid of Alex Hales (70), Riki Wessels (38) and Samit Patel (36), Taylor helped his side complete a convincing triumph with 17 balls to spare.

Nottinghamshire’s success came despite an unbeaten century from James Vince (102 not out), who batted through the Hampshire innings to guide them to 230 for seven.