REDLYNCH and Hale first XI couldn’t have faced a tougher ask when they played County Division 2 leaders Parley, who won the toss and had no hesitation in batting.

Ched Hopkins broke through Sam Collins’ (38) defence at 63-1. Will Hewlett then had Alex Nippard pouched by James Taylor, but a 95 run stand for the 3rd wicket put Parley well in the driver’s seat.

The visitors were still accelerating and passed the 200 mark with 15 overs still to go. Although Taylor, Dave Webber and Hopkins all bagged a brace, more power hitting from the lower order saw a massive 332-7 posted at tea.

Facing such a formidable total proved just too much for Taylor’s team. Once again, only Rhys Williams was able to dig in for any time, with a creditable 33 and with Jamie Hicks mopping up the tail, the Wiltshire side’s County 2 days came to an end, being all out for 183.

Better news though for the second string, who efficiently knocked over South Wilts IV. Dom Sell (3-14) and returning skipper Stan Boardman (4-25) reduced South Wilts to 117 all out. Then a 38 from Ewan Tanner and Harvey Boardman (21*) and Alex Tilley (33*) overhauled the target with 6 wickets in hand.

The 3rd XI recovered from 20-6 against Ampfield and N. Baddesley II, to post 105, with Michael Brown (25) top scoring, but Ampfield overcame the target with four wickets in hand.