IAN Tanner’s Redlynch & Hale were back in the fast lane after a win by six wickets over visitors Bournemouth II at Woodfalls Cross in County Division 2.

The visitors choose to take first knock, but thanks to a wonderful spell of bowling from Ben Brown, who sent down 10-7-4-7 runs, the Dorset outfit were in deep trouble at 31-4. Tom Emm weighed in with 3-27 and, with Stan Boardman bagging a brace, the visitors were reeling at 90-9. But number 11 James Palmer showed excellent resistance for 13 overs with a dogged 41. The score crept up to 165 before the final wicket fell. Tanner opened the innings as usual and was soon back in form, striking the ball sweetly.

Dave Webber and James Dorrington departed cheaply but the skipper and Glenn Willoughby (42) shared a 97-run stand. Jon Hatchett was in no mood to hang around and a quick 21 left just 14 to win. Tanner stayed to the end with a fine innings of 71 not out, including 11 fours, for the morale boosting victory.

The seconds were at Parley II for their Regional Div 2 (W) fixture. The hosts advanced to 207-7, with Alex Cridland (59) and four wickets for veteran Micky Dean. James Benson had a busy afternoon behind the stumps with two catches and two stumpings. In response, only Ben Lindsay (52) and Dean (26) showed form as the innings fell short by an 83-run margin when the overs ran out.

Graham Smith (50) and Andy Church (45) helped post 168-6 for the club’s third string against early Regional Division 4 (SW) leaders, Lychett.

However, Matt Tatchell (84*) and Marc Well (61*) led their side to a nine-wicket win in 27 overs.

In the junior section, the under-13s, with 119-6, overcame Michelmersh & Timsbury 111-4. Andy Soutar (31) and Jon Castleton (30) both retired not out.

The under-17s lost their game at Calmore, and the other sides’ fixtures fell victim to the rain on Sunday, which led to little action.