REDLYNCH and Hale are the new leaders of Hampshire League County Division Three North after a four wicket success over visiting Ramsdell, writes ANDY CHURCH.

On a scorching day at Woodfalls Cross, Redlynch were put into the field and Ben Brown (1-28) was soon causing problems starting his spell with a maiden, followed by a wicket maiden to send back opener Dave Simpson for just a single.

First change Andy Soutar (1-21) broke the 2nd wicket stand of 53 with Dave Webber pouching the catch.

Then, just as it looked as though Ramsdell were accelerating, skipper James Taylor turned to the spin of young George Hayes and was soon rewarded.

Hayes took out the middle order with a fine seven over spell of 3-33. Russ Church (2-49) bagged a brace before Kev Hopkins mopped up the tail with 3-22 in 15 balls, to leave the visitors all out for 214.

After the interval Ian Tanner was sent on early doors with only a single in his account, but co-opener Webber found his touch with a trademark quickfire 61 which included 12 sumptuous fours, before he holed out.

Glenn Willoughby (15) was strangely quiet, but Charlie Everett continued his good form.

Despite losing Soutar and Hopkins cheaply, Ben Vincent (23) added 62 with Everett to take the hosts to 181-5.

Church (18 not out) then stayed with Everett in a sixth wicket winning stand of 34 with Everett striking 11 fours and a maximum to finish 69 not out to take the full 24 points.

As leaders RAM had lost for only the second time this season, it meant the Wiltshire based outfit now sit on top of the table, but face the old leaders next.

Elsewhere the club's second string came unstuck at Great Durnford, in Regional Division One North West as the hosts posted 237-5.

Tom Emm was the pick of the attack with 3-16.

In reply, the visitors lost three quick wickets, before Jack Vincent (24) and Ian Stevens (41) calmed things down.

Jack Cobern was going well as he advanced to 65 not out, but his partners could not stick around as they finished on 182.

With three consecutive defeats, the seconds need to bounce back strongly next week if promotion is still be be a realistic possibility.

The club's third XI had no league fixture this week.