NOMANSLAND started well in Regional Division Two (West) with Darren Grayer and Sam Dempster putting on 57 for the first wicket at a good rate before Dempster was out for 31.

Carl Mason joined Grayer and the pair took the score to 81 before Grayer was run out for 14 with a direct throw.

Mason was out a couple of balls later for 19, and despite a brisk 22 from Terry Harrison, a dreadful collapse saw the home side lose four wickets without addition, leaving them reeling at 105-7.

Gary Loveless then set about repairing the damage and together with Mark Rowland (20) added 43 for the eighth wicket. Mike Rowland joined Loveless and a further 49 was added for the ninth wicket to bring Nomansland to a respectable 207-8 at tea. Loveless finished with 44 not out and Rowland unbeaten on 15.

Totton and Eling bowled well throughout the innings with Keegan Holtzman the pick with 4-51. Totton had looked a more than useful side with the ball, and followed this with a positive batting display after tea.

Mark Mellett (30), Ben Pinkney (20) and Dieter Holzman (19) laid the foundations, and from 89-3, half centuries from Josh Arnold (53) and skipper Kevin Dorrington (53 not out) saw T&E all but home before Arnold was out with just three runs required. James Mason took 2-30 in what was an untidy evening in the field for Nomansland.