REDLYNCH & Hale got their County 3 (North) season off to a thrilling start with an exciting victory over Wellow & Plaitford at Woodfalls Cross.

Earlier in the day, Ian Tanner chose to bat first and together with Tom Bayford, proceeded to put on 74 for the first wicket when the latter was run out for 10.

That seemed to inspire the visitors as Lewis Oliver bowled Dave Webber, with Ollie White quickly accounting for Kevin Hopkins and Jon Hatchett in the middle order.

Tanner ground out 54 valuable runs before being pouched by Martin Bull but Will Powell also perished to Oliver (4-40) leaving the home side perilously poised at 119-6.

However, Glen Willoughby (63) was holding his end up well and with Rhys Williams (16) added 42 priceless runs.

James Taylor was 21 not out at the end as the innings finished on 229 all out.

After the tea interval, Hopkins held a return catch to send back Charlie Field (16), but Harry Draycott (44) and Oliver (39) dug in to add 81 before Taylor (2-39) and Webber (4-33) got among the wickets, to leave the visitors on 147-7.

Then came the fireworks as Paul Whyte (13) joined Liam Poolman. The pair batted intelligently with Poolman hitting several monstrous sixes and farming the strike to bring his side into the final over with just nine needed.

However, Willougby held his nerve and with just three singles accruing, a six was needed from the final ball with Poolman (77no) stranded at the non strikers end. Whyte missed, Tanner whipped the bails off and the points went to the home side.