REDLYNCH & Hale clutched onto an invaluable close-fought victory by a mere one wicket over Bransgore in their bid to avoid relegation from County Division 2.

Ian Tanner didn’t like the look of the strip and duly asked his hosts to take first knock, and with Ben Brown running out Mike Butcher for a single and having Shaun Rouse pouched by Jon Hatchett for the same score, the home side were in trouble at 23-2. George Bratt dug in for a hard-fought 52 before James Taylor (2-16) had him trapped in front. Dave Webber was in miserly form, sending down ten overs for just 21, while Brown (3-36) and Glenn Willoughby (2-14) continued to make inroads. No one else really got going as the visitors restricted the hosts to 174 all out.

Tanner (22) and Webber (43) made a great start, posting 70 for the first wicket, but both fell shortly afterwards to Ed Wright (2-36).

Then, with Rhys Williams and Kev Hopkins both dismissed cheaply, the target suddenly became more daunting at 81-4. However, Willoughby switched to restrain mode and anchored down to bat for two hours for an unbeaten 39 to put his side back in contention, keeping his end going.

A sprightly 23 from Jack Vincent kept up the pace, but three quick wickets had the innings faltering once again. Jon Hatchett, batting in some discomfort with a back strain, added a priceless 14 to bring the scores level, but when he went and Taylor had his bails trimmed by George Pratt (4-23), it was left to number 11 Brown to nudge the winning run to give his side the crucial win.

Meanwhile, the clubs 2nds, were involved in another thrilling finish – losing by one run to Winton seconds.

The club’s thirds continued their good form after bowling out basement side Bransgore III for just 77.