AN injured Tom Emm took six wickets despite Redlynch and Hale tumbling to a 33-run defeat to South Newton.

The left-arm spinner, who despite his recent injury and probably against doctors orders, was the star of the show in the County Division 3 North tussle.

First, the wily tweaker halted Dan Brown's innings, then he proceeded to rattle through the visitors card inducing false shots from the batsmen. Another stumping from Jack Vincent and four more pouched chances saw a return of 6-42 as the innings was completed at 181-8.

Turning around, Redlynch skipper Tanner for once went cheaply, then just as Dave Webber (20) looked settled, he had his bails trimmed by Sam Kirby, who also castled Ryhs Williams. Sadly, a middle order collapse proceeded as Ben Huntley (3-18) and Steve Brewer (2-33) plied their trade. At 62-6 things looked dire for the hosts. Nathan Pollard (24) fought back, but two further wickets and the scoreboard showed 103-9.

Then in an exciting 10th wicket stand, a spirited 38 from James Taylor, backed up by the now heavily limping Emm, advanced the total to 148 before the former was finally bowled by Tom Swanton, leaving the home side short by 33 runs.

The club's seconds fared no better away at Bashley fifths where the hosts' plastic pitch allowed them to rack up 200-3. In return, Redlynch were declared 142 all out.

In an exciting game with Hursley Park fifths at Hatchett Green Hale, things went right to the wire as the thirds lost by two wickets.

The only bright spot of the weekend came from the club's under 9s, who reached the final of the New Forest Cup by overcoming Langley Manor.