THERE was frustration for Redlynch and Hale and South Wilts thirds as their County Division Three North match was abandoned due to incessant rain.

Before the bad weather struck at Lower Bemerton, Ben Brown (4-44) struck first, pinning Henry Smith in front for just 10, but Russell Rowe (29) and a fine 55 from Darren Sargent, got the innings going again.

After Dave Webber (3-37) and Nathan Pollard (2-26) made regular inroads, it was home skipper Jody Everett who set out his stall with a determined 39 not out. Brown returned to finish off the tail after Marc Burton (32) had batted well, with the innings finishing at 201-9.

After tea, and sensing the rain was imminent, Webber (39) was quickly out of the traps as he and Tanner pushed the score along to keep up with the run rate, but the cricket fates had other ideas and heavy rain put paid to any further play. Sadly for the visitors, spinner Tom Emm suffered a recurring injury after bowling just one delivery and his participation for the rest of the season looks questionable.

Meanwhile, South Wilts' fourths managed to complete a 92-run win over Redlynch seconds before the rain reached.

Ed Wade (35) and Robbie Nicholson (39) put on 64 for the fifth wicket in what proved a match-winning partnership.

A big 157-7 off their full 42 overs proved way beyond the hosts as Sam Burton wrecked the top order with 4-14. Akram Ghauri with 3-2 completed the rout as the home side were dismissed for just 65 inside 22 overs.

And at Hatchett Green Hale, there was brighter news for the club's thirds, who recorded another victory in Regional Division 4 North West over basement side Ringwood 2nds.