THE position at the top of County Division 3 North could not be tighter as Redlynch & Hale secured a 40-run home victory over Bishop's Waltham II. With just two games to go, promotion remains a strong possibility and next week's double header with Hursley Park II promises to be a cracker.

Skipper Ian Tanner (25) and the in-form Dave Webber (39) posted 59 to get things underway, but when they departed wickets tumbled as James Mitchell secured a deserved five-for (48). Luckily, youngster Andy Soutar dug in and crafted a very nice 32 to keep the score board ticking. Useful runs from Jack Vincent (16) and Ben Brown (14) down the order saw the innings close out at 163-10.

Webber (2-17) got his side off to the best start by snapping up James Carrs and Mal Pone, before Alex Watson (40) provided some resistance. But a great run out by Kev Hopkins and some safe pouching by Soutar, Webber and Rhys Williams took care of the middle order. 'Waltham were struggling to gain any momentum thanks to the tight line bowled by the home attack. With the run rate growing all the time, James Taylor (3-38) and Tom Emm (3-20) did not take long to polish off the tail, ending the run chase at 124 all out and a crucial victory.

Meanwhile, Alderholt put a dent in Redlynch seconds' promotion chances in Regional Division 2 West after their eight-wicket defeat.