REDLYNCH & Hale's uphill struggle in County Division 2 got steeper on Saturday when they slipped to a five wicket defeat at home to Longparish.

With Dave Webber skipper for the day, he found his side asked to bat first.

The top order found things tough, with Scott Sturt tearing in to send back both openers with only 25 on the board. Glenn Willoughby, though, rose to the challenge with some resolute batting and played anchorman, with an unbeaten 68. He found support from the big-hitting Kev Hopkins (26), but with only a dozen apiece from Stan Boardman and Jack Vincent, the innings struggled to push on, closing at a disappointing 176 all out.

Sturt had proved to be the main protagonist as he returned 6-41 in just 7.4 overs.

After the break, although Webber quickly accounted for Michael Taplin, 'Parish skipper Will De Cani proved to be man of the moment, racing to 50 in just 39 balls. Spinner James Taylor slowed him down, getting into a grove and reaping 4-31, however, with De Cani still accumulating runs at the other end, it was to be the latter's day. He completed his100 in 84 balls, finishing on 115 not out to take his side home with wickets and overs in hand.

The seconds ran out comfortable winners at Hyde, where tight, efficient bowling restricted the hosts to 156-5, Harvey Boardman (2-20) and Dom Sell (1-27) the most economical.

Veterans Iain Soutar (79) and Phil Crisp (38) gave their side the best possible start adding 132 for the first wicket, leaving just 25 needed, which was quickly obtained.

The third string were undone at Ellingham thirds by the Hough father and son combination, dismissing the visitors for just 98 and accounting for 8-45 between them! Ben Lindsay, with 5-30, fought back hard with good support from Katy Sell (1-26), but the family team made an unbeaten stand of 42 between them to take the points.