REDLYNCH & Hale made the long trip to Petersfield and fell by three wickets in a low-scoring affair.

The hosts won the toss and opted to have first use of the cherry in murky, overcast conditions.

The decision proved wise as Ian Tanner had his bails displaced by Ben Turk for just six. Dave Webber (20) and James Dorrington (18) pushed the score along, but neither could get any fluency. Mark Stanley (4-28) accounted for both batsmen and the dangerous Glenn Willoughby for 21 to make it a precarious 85-4. But after that, the visitors seemed to hit the self-destruct button as Keith Gumbe (3-20) and Turk swept aside the lower order to close the innings on 115 all out.

Making a nervous attempt at the low total Petersfield were pegged back by Ben Brown and Webber (2-38) leaving the hosts reeling at 43-4.

But with an important partnership of 47 for the fifth wicket, the game was slipping away.

Rhys Williams, Kev Hopkins (2-12) and Tom Emm refused to throw in the towel with further wickets falling, but home skipper Damien Carson saw his side home with three wickets in hand.

It was another disappointing defeat for Ian Tanner’s team, who face another away trip next week to Rowledge, sitting a few places above them in the table.