Redlynch 2nds 211-8 Nomansland 236-5

NOMANSLAND came away with a solid victory after making the short trip to Woodfalls on Saturday – despite losing Gary Loveless to his second ball.

Top bowling from Sam Hatton satisfied the hosts early on but they couldn’t keep Sam Dempster and Darren Grayer putting on a superb stand in the Regional Division 2 (West) contest.

Dempster was the main aggressor, playing some sublime shots all around the wicket. Grayer was canny in his approach and combined well with his young partner, allowing Dempster to enjoy most of the strikes.

They went well over the century mark but Dempster was eventually bowled out, just two shy of a ton, ending the partnership on 183.

Grayer continued on his way as the visitors lost wickets in the chase for runs, and finished undefeated on 94 at tea as Nomansland closed on 236-5. Pollard (24) and Ben Lindsay (10) made a good start assisted by a few extras and got to 45 without too much trouble. Four wickets then fell in as many overs as Redlynch slipped to 51-4, and at the halfway mark were 76-4 (Terry Harrison 2-34, Jason King 2-25 from their 10 over spells).

Micky Dean (15) started the recovery, but two wickets for Grayer (2-21 from five overs) left them reeling at 86-6. Rich Whitmarsh then batted well and assisted firstly by Mike Brown (24) and the Hatton (33 not out) saw the home side to maximum batting points. Whitmarsh was eighth out for an excellent 67 as Redlynch closed 25 runs short.