REDLYNCH and Hale moved back to the top of Hampshire League County Three North after a crushing eight wicket victory over Hursley Park II at Headquarters, writes ANDY CHURCH.

This is because leaders RAM suffered a defeat and now the title in the Wiltshire outfit's own hands, when they go to Hook and Newnham Basics III on Saturday.

James Taylor won the toss and with the weather overcast, elected to field.

Glenn Willoughby was quick to break through, rearranging Josh Romer's stumps and with a needless run out not helping their cause, the visitors were in trouble at 12-2.

Ben Brown was in his usual frugal mood sending down 9-2-1-11, whilst Andy Soutar added to 'Parks woes as he bagged 2-36.

At 41-5, the visitors were in disarray with only two of their middle order managing double figures.

Kev Hopkins introduction made life even harder as he cleaned things up with 3-11 after Will Hewlett castled Sam Rennison for 22. All out for a lowly 102, so over to the home batters.

Ian Tanner opened as usual, with Rhys Williams, who was caught behind for just four.

However, a second wicket stand of 82 between Andy Soutar (10) and Tanner broke the back of the visitors target. And with no more wickets falling, Tanner went past another half century mark to finish on 58 in the 20th over, with Hopkins 4 not out.

The club's second string also gave themselves an outside chance of going up with a home win over St Mary Bourne in Regional Division One North West.

Dismissing the visitors for a mere 80, thanks to good spells from all the bowlers, especially Jack Sobocinski (2-11), Dom Sell (2-17) and Harry Cobern (2-4).

In reply, Tom Bayford (20) and Nathan Pollard (26 not out) put on 46, with Ian Stevens (14) and Harvey Boardman (10 not out) finishing it off for an eight wicket victory.

The thirds had no league fixture but advanced to 121 all out in a friendly at Ampfield and North Baddesley II.

The hosts were dismissed for 94 with Mick Wright (3-17) among the wickets to make it another clean sweep for the Wiltshire based Club.