WITH four teams destined to make the dreaded drop from County Division Two and only two to play Redlynch & Hale, currently in the last relegation spot, needed a full-strength side for their meeting with Basingstoke 3rds.

But four instrumental players were unable to turn out for Ian Tanner’s, pictured with his hand up, side.

Ben Brown and Dave Webber got scant reward as Mark Richards (39) and Tom Hartgill put up 88. Kev Hopkins (1-39) finally broke through, but the bowlers were finding it tough as 'Stoke piled on the runs. James Taylor (2-38) managed to slow things down, a big total was looming. Rhys Williams did stem the flow with 3-38 aided by two run outs including smart work for first team debutant gloveman James Benson. With the hosts posting 219-9 at tea, there was work to do.

Tanner and Webber started brightly and were well up until disaster struck in the 15th over when the captain followed a wide one and was pouched for 36. Webber followed, then an all too familiar mid-order collapse followed as Ash Neal whirled away with 4-31. Jon Hatchett tried hard to keep an end going with a careful 19, but only Hopkins (16) and Benson (16) made it to double figures as the side were bowled out for 163. Tanner’s men entertain Liphook next week in a must-win situation.

The club's 2nd string had the crowd on its feet at Woodfalls Cross in a thrilling game with Cadnam 2nds, who won by one wicket.