Redlynch & Hale’s first team captain Andy Soutar came to the rescue in the County Division 2 visit to the picturesque ground at Bishop's Waltham on Saturday, to keep his team unbeaten this season so far..

The hosts won the toss and batted first on the first scorcher of the summer. Dave Webber opened the bowling and struck early, bowling Harry Barret for a duck.

A great start with the ball at 0-1, but Luke Carvey, the host's number three had other plans.

He saw partners come and go as accurate bowling from the bowlers meant wickets kept falling and runs were hard to come by.

At 82-4 it was Carvey who had dug in, until he let the shackles off in the last few overs to carry his bat to a fine 70 not out. Anchoring the innings, he pushed his side to 181-6 with a few quick boundaries from Haider Khan (24) to add to the cause.

Webber 2-32, leg-spinner George Hayes 1-23 from nine and Kev Hopkins 1-26 from his nine shared the spoils.

In reply, Webber with his positive intent and Tanner with some textbook shots saw a quick start until Webber was caught for 18 from the spin of Sam Medhurst.

Nathan Pollard (14) was bowled by Williams which saw Soutar come to the crease at 64-2. With inform batsmen out in the middle, the side were feeling comfortable, but Tanner (37) played on, which gave Waltham a chance.

Two more wickets left Redlynch & Hale startled at 90-5. However, by then, Soutar was in the groove, partnered by another aggressive left hander, Hopkins (39no), the pair calmed nerves by carving boundaries all around the ground.

With only six runs to win, Soutar went for the big shot but was caught, leaving him with a much applauded 58 runs.

But Nick Illman finished it with a boundary four to end the game, and secure victory with five overs in hand and third place in the table.

The Clubs 2nd XI also secured a fine win by defending a modest 159-9 against Farley 2nds.

Andy Kennedy top scored with 26 as the runs were spread about for for Farley, C. Burrows (2-30) was pick of the bowlers.

In a very tight reply, veteran left-armer Richard Barlow (3-14) made the breakthroughs, but an outstanding catch by Jon Hatchet to dismiss M. Covill (31) left it very tight, but the hosts hung on to squeeze victory by just 3 runs.