James Hamblin has claimed that the Twenty20Cup thriller against his former county Sussex "was the best atmosphere I've played in."
Hamblin was just one of many people at a packed Rose Bowl that was instantly won over by the new competition.
And he could not have picked a better night to remind Sussex of his talents.
Hamblin played for Sussex under 19s and played for the county's second XI as a teenager but was never offered a professional contract - until Hampshire gave him his chance.
The former Charterhouse schoolboy has been with Hampshire for three years now.
But his man of the match performance on Friday in front of a 9,000 strong crowd was the best moment of his career so far.
Hamblin's 34 from 27 balls got Hampshire off to the perfect start.
He put on 66 for the first wicket with Derek Kenway, capitalising on the fielding restrictions in the first six overs before he was bowled by Jason Lewry's first delivery.
Kenway's knock was just as effective but it was Hamblin who set the tempo.
The 24-year-old scored seven boundaries, including what was believed be the first in the competition - a straight drive off Robin Martin-Jenkins.
Hampshire were bowled out for 153 but Hamblin played his part in the Sussex innings, bowling the dangerous Martin-Jenkins in his only over.
Ed Giddins ensured Hampshire came out on top in a dramatic finish.
Sussex needed ten runs off the last over from their former employee but Giddins kept his head - and Hamblin was promptly awarded with the man of the match award.
He said: "I always think I've got a bit of a point to prove against Sussex.
"I love playing against them because I trialled down there without success so it's nice to do well for Hampshire against them.
"That was the best atmosphere I've played in.
"To do quite well in the role I was given made it the best moment of my career, but I wasn't expecting to be named man of the match.
"It hadn't dawned on me but being bowler and a batsman gives you more chance."
Hamblin has had success as a pinch-hitter against Sussex in the past but under Paul Terry he has reined his shots a little more in the two National League games he has played as an opener.
"I've opened the batting a few times this year and have been attacking but haven't gone mad, but you have to go quickly in the Twenty20," he admitted.
"We had a couple of slow overs to start with, it's always nice to get your eye in, but I'm obviously really pleased with how it went from there.
"We wobbled a bit with the batting in the last ten overs but everyone bowled fantastically well and we fielded as well as we have done all year.
"It was a fantastic team effort, we feel we can restrict teams if we can get a score on the board and we did that against Sussex.
"I was amazed at how the crowd reacted, they were sensational and I can't wait to get that again."
Hamblin is expected to continue his pinch hitting role against Kent at Beckenham tonight as Hampshire aim for the fifth successive limited-overs triumph.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article