ELLINGHAM 3rds had been without a win all season and wanted to take a full side for their visit to unbeaten Hyde 2nds in Regional Division 3 West so they enlisted the help of Danny Hodnett - who had not played cricket for several years.

In pursuit of a challenging Hyde total, PE teacher Hodnett showed that he had retained all his batting skills as he blasted a large unbeaten century to set up his side’s resounding nine-wicket victory.

Earlier, Hyde lost both openers cheaply before Michael Thomas (83 no) staged a recovery with excellent support from Steve Turner (39) and John Norfolk (54) as they notched up 215-5 with Tom Penycate (2-45) the pick of the bowlers.

Ellingham lost a quick wicket but then Hodnett took total control against the eight-pronged attack as he struck a succession of fours and sixes to finish with an unbeaten 145.

He got excellent support from Mike Dodd (58 no) and the pair put on 217 for the second wicket as the visitors won in 32 overs.

Despite a pair of half-centuries in their innings, Burley 2nds were unable to match Ferndown-Wayfarers 2nds’ large total and they lost by 62 runs.

The visitors amassed 263-8 thanks to Bowering (77), McRobb (36) and Istiaq (30) with James Donaldson (2-37) the most successful bowler. Opener Alex Martin (54) and Jim Burry (55) scored more than half of Burley’s 201-8 with Martin Sill taking 2-42.

Ringwood kept up their winning ways in Regional Division 2 West with an easy six-wicket victory when they visited Winton 3rds at Winton Oval.

Tim Melbourne (4-15) and Dave Butcher (4-36) demolished Winton for 108 in the 39th over and Adrian Watson (33) and Nick Ashman (31 no) steered Ringwood home in 26 overs.

Tom Morris and his son Harry were the stars as Alderholt won their first match of the season beating Hythe and Dibden 3rds by just one wicket at Blackfield.

The home side totalled 195-8 with Roberts making 54 as Harry Morris claimed 5-42. Tom Morris (68) led the Alderholt reply, supported by Matt Barnaby (38) and Guy Andrew (34) but, in a tight finish, it was James Ash (30 no) who hit the winning runs in the 41st over.