Hampshire Hawks batter confident on team's chances in T20 Blast

Weatherley struck 49 off 32 balls to help the Utilita Bowl side recover from their opening T20 Blast defeat to Surrey with a bounce-back victory against Essex Eagles last Sunday.

The 27 year old claimed the mood remains "good" amongst the Hampshire squad as they aim to win their fourth title this season.

He insisted: "It's always a good time of year because the weather starts to come good, you see some good support and the games come thick and fast, it's fun. The mood is good.

“It’s a very relaxed team, to be honest. It’s led by Vincey (James Vince) and the core group of experienced players have gone to something like ten finals days.

"We want to do well, but I don't feel any sort of internal or external pressure, if anything, it's a source of confidence."

Weatherley signs autographs for some Hampshire Hawks fans. (Image: Dave Vokes)

The Hawks were beaten by Essex Eagles in last year's semi-final at Edgbaston and Weatherley is hoping his side will be there in a fourth-straight finals day.

“It would be amazing. Why we play the game is to win trophies for Hampshire," he explained.

"There is a big homegrown core in the squad. I won my first trophy in 2018 and then 2020, then the T20 win in 2022 was just an amazing day.

"Finals day is a great day regardless but when you win it's everything that you wanted to do. It gives the supporters a great day out and memories to look back on for years to come.

“I think it's really important that the Hampshire culture has kept going. It's a particularly family-orientated club. Some of the coaching staff have been here for years and years."

The Hampshire batter scored 82 runs in the first two T20 Blast fixtures against Surrey and Kent. (Image: Dave Vokes)

Hampshire will play a series of double-headers this season alongside the Southern Vipers with both teams playing back-to-back on some days.

The next double-header is on June 14 when the Vipers host the Northern Diamonds at 3PM followed by the Hawks against Middlesex at 7PM.

Weatherley admits the double-headers are a "good vibe" and is pleased with the connection between the fans and both sides.

He continued: "(Southern Vipers) have been as successful as anyone in the women's game.

"Charlotte Edwards is a brilliant leader and they have developed some really, really good players that have gone on to play for England.

"The women's and men's double-headers are always a good vibe. They help deepen the connection between the teams and it’s always great to watch them play.

"On the men's side, crowds at home have grown and grown over the last few years too, so it benefits everyone.”