A DEPLETED Redlynch and Hale first team were consigned to a six-wicket defeat to table-toppers East Woodhay in County Division 3 North.

Six regular first-teamers were missing due to a wedding that contributed to their downfall and put a dent in their promotion hopes.

Sensing something in the pitch for the bowlers, the visitors took first use of the cherry and on what was to be his day, Richard Dando struck in his first over, having Jack Vincent adjudged caught. Although, there was some doubt the ball had been grounded.

Stand-in skipper Dave Webber dug in and continued his rich vein of form, putting on 80 for the second wicket with James Benson (16). Then when Webber was castled by Alan Williams for 62, it was young stand-in, Andy Soutar, who took charge.

In an accomplished knock, he nudged the score along, despite losing partners on the way but reaching a fine unbeaten 58 in the process. It looked as though he and Nathan Pollard were putting together something of a stand when Dando came back for his second spell and in an impressive final burst, took four from four balls to close out the innings on 179.

Tom Flack (71) and Joe Lawrence (30) started the reply swiftly, but it was that man Dando coming in at three, who struck a fine 58 to break the back of the target. Rhys Williams and James Taylor each bagged a brace, but the leaders flourished by six wickets.

There was brighter news for the seconds, who were in the New Forest at Pylewell Park II for the Regional Division 2 (W) clash.

In a mesmerising display of leg spin bowling youngster, Will Hewlett bowled his side into a commanding position, with 10-2-6-33 as only A Russell (46) showed form. 'Park succumbed for just 140. In reply, Rich Whitmarsh, patiently accrued 46 not out and, although he lost Graham Smith (23), Sam Hatton struck 51 not out to take the points in a nine-wicket win.

Meanwhile, the thirds' fixture was cancelled as Otterbourne have withdrawn from the league.