HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE – OTHER DIVISIONS

UNPLAYABLE pitches after heavy overnight rain caused many Hampshire League matches to be called off but the groundsman at Potterne Park worked hard to keep Verwood 2nds’ home fixture with Ellingham 3rds alive but the visitors won by 11 runs despite a five-wicket haul for Ed Hungerford.

Openers Brian New (63) and Ali Redfern (50) survived several chances as they put on 124 for Ellingham’s first wicket but then fifth-change bowler Hungerford turned the match around taking 8-23 as the visitors were all out for 152 in 41 overs.

Verwood recovered from 47-4 thanks to Richard Pearson (29) and Nick Butler (27) who put on 67 for the fifth wicket but once they had gone they fell apart against Redfern (4-11 from 10 overs) and Tom Penycate (3-20) and were all out for 141.

No play was possible at Exbury where second-placed Hyde 2nds were due to meet Camelot and just 0.13 separates them from the leaders Ferndown Wayfarers 2nds.

In the final matches, Hyde host Wilton 2nds who are 13th whilst Ferndown travel to fifth-placed Fawley 3rds. If both teams win their last matches, bonus points will probably determine which team takes the title.

In Regional Division 2 West, Alderholt called off their match with Pylewell Park 2nds but, unable to raise a team, Ringwood forfeited their away game with Dorset Indians.