AN under-strength Hartney Wintney 2nd XI were the visitors at Woodfalls Cross for Redlynch & Hale XI’s County 3 (North) fixture.

The visitors, who were forced to manage with a string of absentees resulting in a depleted squad, batted first and were soon in trouble, being 6-13 after just ten overs.

Kerr was the only batsman to reach double figures before being castled by Dave Webber and, with further wickets for James Taylor and Tom Emm, the innings scraped to 58 all out. Turning straight around, the home side quickly knocked off the runs but lost Tom Bayford and Webber (23) along the way. Ian Tanner was 20 not out at the end as the target was overhauled in the 12th over.

Meanwhile, over at Steeple Langford, the club's second string played its first game of the season in Regional Division Two (West).

In a close fought encounter, Langford posted 160 all out as Darren Harvey remained unbeaten on 62.

Sam Hatton (3-32) and Tom Barrett (4-29) were the pick of the bowlers. In reply, the visitors were 49-2 before a dogged knock from James Dorrington (37) got them back on track. A middle order collapse, then left them at 77-6 before John Dowding (39) and Jack Cobern (23) added a crucial 44 runs. A close finish was assured as the final over arrived with the last pair at the wicket, but Ben Vincent hit the winning runs with three balls in hand.

Harvey was the pick of the home bowlers with 3-28.

In Regional Division Three (North West), the 3rd XI were away at Ampfield & N.

Baddesley 2nds. Graham Smith and Colin Eveleigh ground out 30 apiece and Michael Brown got 24 to reach 125 all out as P.

Barnes bagged 5-19. In reply, the visiting bowlers had no luck at all as Garbey (55no) and Langridge (53no) ensured victory by ten wickets, albeit in the 36th over.

In the junior fold, Redlynch’s under 13s took part in a thrilling drawn game in the Wiltshire League Div Two (South). Opponents South Wilts B posted 167-4 in their 35 overs with S.

Bailey 54 and J. Stearman not out 50. Redlynch got a good start in reply with Will Hewlett 20 and John Castleton 21. Then a thrilling innings of 59 not out by Harry Northway pushed Hale to 166 -6, meaning a winning draw for South Wilts.

Meanwhile, the under nines scored 235-8 to shade Michelmersh & Timsbury, who managed 223-6.