NEWLY-PROMOTED Redlynch & Hale announced their arrival in Hampshire League County Division 2, with an emphatic victory over Andover 2nds at London Road.

Under the stewardship of Ian Tanner, pictured above, once again, the skipper led the way with a masterly 61.

Aided by Dave Webber (41), the openers posted 118 before the home attack broke through. Ed Duckworth, with 3-31 was the outstanding bowler, who also held catches to dismiss both openers. Jon Hatchett found early season form as, after a flurry of wickets, he opened his shoulders for a lusty 38 not out to advance his side to 196-5 at tea. When Andover batted, they were held back by a tight opening spell from Ben Brown and Kev Hopkins. By the time Webber joined the attack, Brown (2-26) had sent Shaun Attwood and Luke Andrews back to the hutch. Webber then set to work, finding a line that proved almost impossible to play for a somewhat lacklustre response. The Redlynch & Hale swing bowler returned 4-25 in his 10 overs and by then the contest was as good as over. James Taylor joined in the rout to capture 3-9 including Duckworth, who top scored with 37, as the home side capitulated for just 114, leaving Tanner’s men buoyant after their opening game.

Meanwhile at Woodfalls Cross, in Regional Div 2 (NW), opening day spoils went to visitors Calmore Sports 3rds after they were home and dry with seven wickets to spare.

At Hatchet Green, the third string celebrated its first victory in over a year, beating Ferndown Wayfarers 2nds by 65 runs.

In the New Forest Juniors’ Leagues, the club’s under-17s were beaten by a strong New Milton side. The under-15s restricted Calmore to 70-7 to win by seven wickets and the under-13s also were victorious, defeating Paultons by 54 runs.