REDLYNCH & Hale first XI were unable to reverse a string of poor results when they travelled to South Wilts Academy ground for a Hampshire Cricket League Division Two clash against their third team.

The hosts elected to bat first but Jos Carreras (2-45) struck in his first over to remove Steve Kidd, writes Andy Church.

Then Tom Whitfield became his second victim in his second over to leave South Wilts reeling at 11-2. However, Connor Bain (43) and Tom Pearce (35) rebuilt the innings, with a stand of 72, before Nathan Pollard (2-30) removed both.

Alex Vincent (33) pushed things along before an unbeaten 70 from Dan Brown really accelerated the pace. George Hayes (2-45) chipped in with a brace before the innings closed with a challenging 237-7 posted.

After the interval, it looked for a long time as though the visitors fortunes were set to change as Ian Tanner (57) and Will Hewlett with a fine 69 against his former club, put together an opening partnership of 125 with the home attack unable to halt the flow of runs.

Moreover, Harvey Boardman then threatened to continue the pace with a useful 39, before feathering Tom Pearce to the keeper. But then the rot seemed to set in as Kev Hopkins went for a duck, and the bowlers took more of a grip.

Runs were hard to come by and although when the fourth wicket fell at 190, there was still a slim chance, the middle and lower order simply could not pick up the pace and capitalise on such a fine start. As the overs ran out, the visitors had only managed 219-8, just 19 short.

But there was brighter news for the clubs other two senior sides. At Woodfalls Cross, the second XI dismissed South Wilts IV for just 91, with an excellent bowling and fielding display, holding all six catching opportunities.

Stan Boardman made hay in the sunshine with five-fer 18 and there were a brace apiece for Dom Sell and Jack Cobern. Chris Chaddock looked impressive for his 33 until mistiming a return chance to Cobern.

In reply, Sell (19) started well, but Alex Evans (2-25) pegged things back briefly. Then after a cameo 22 from Marcus Kimberley, Cobern (23no) and Martin Strawbridge (14no), saw their side safely home by six wickets.

Good news too for the third XI, who advanced to 191-7 at Steeple Langford. Phil Crisp (46) and an unbeaten 48 from Emily Otton were the mainstays with Tom Stobbs (3-37).

In reply, Richard Barlow (4-41), Otton (2-21) and debutant Rob Padwick (2-3) halted the run chase still 73 adrift.