DESPITE an all-round performance from their skipper Scott McLeonards, an under-strength Verwood side lost by two wickets to promotion contenders Suttoners in a low scoring match in County Division 4 South at Potterne Park.

On a difficult wicket, openers Luke Hancock (38) and McLeonards (69) shared in a first-wicket stand of 82.

But once they had gone Paul Barber (5-25) kept the middle order in check as Verwood were stopped at 158-6.

Suttoners were kept in the hunt by Nick Arnold (48) and Barber (30) but, although they lost wickets to McLeonards (3-23) and Eric Pearson (3-49), they won in the 41st over, writes FOREST CRICKET correspondent Simon Rowley.

Dropped catches lose matches and that was certainly the case at Burley where the home side lost to Lymington thirds by 55 runs.

With only Tony Thorpe (34) in good form in the Lymington top order, the visitors struggled to 167-7 against Ian Barrett (2-39) and Craig Doick (2-31).

Hugo Ambrose (47 no) survived a chance before he scored and was dropped five more times as he put on 57 unbeaten, for the eighth wicket with Mark Gannaway (17 no), to steer Lymington to a high and impressive total of 224-7.

Burley opener Rob Munroe (53) shared in stands of 52 for the first wicket with Kieron Hudson (36) and 43 for the second with Alec Moorman (17).

Once Lymington stalwart Peter Tapper was introduced into the attack, Burley lost wickets at regular intervals, with only Barrett (27) showing any resistance at all. Tapper took 6-26 from nine overs and, alongside Ambrose (2-48), had Burley out for 169 in the 43rd over.

Portsmouth and Southsea 2nds advanced to 271-4 at Locksway Road and although there were good knocks from Shaun Rogers (32), James Terry (27), Jim Edwards (33) and Dean Spicer (34), Ellingham 2nds were bowled out for 242 despite a brisk unbeaten 40 from Brad Haddin at the end.

Ellingham’s first team fared little better in County Division 1 as they went down by five wickets to Portsmouth and Southsea’s first string at Picket Post.

Ben Gorman (41), Mark Burrett (36), Andy Jones (35) and Aaron Barker (30) batted well but nobody was able to put together a big score as Ellingham were restricted to 194-7.

The visitors passed their target in the 47th over with Henry Shutler (3-45) the main wicket taker.

Even though they had a century opening stand, Woodgreen went down to Hythe and Dibden by seven wickets at home in County Division 3 South.

Openers Laurence Harding (70) and Josh Bishop (67) put on 127 in 24 overs but with only Sam Parker (40) able to maintain the momentum, Woodgreen were stopped at 228-6.

The visitors paced their reply well as Kurmo Sharma (89) shared in stands of 71 for the second wicket with Tom Richards (40) and 137 for the third with Luke Hodges (87 no).

They went onto win with eight balls to spare following a comprehensive display.