- By Andy Church
Redlynch & Hale first team fell 42 runs short in its League Div 3A match with a strong South Wilts 3rd XI on Saturday.
Star of the show for the visitors was Joe Cranch (75*) who struck 11 fours in his knock as his side advanced to 234-7.
A strong opening partnership of 79 and good support from the hard-hitting Marc Burton (32) were key to the total posted.
For the hosts, Kev Hopkins (3-50) and Nathan Pollard (2-36) were the main wicket-takers.
In response, after Andy Soutar went for a duck and Archie Boardman just 1, it was pretty much down to opener and Redlynch & Hale stalwart, Ian Tanner, to mount the run chase.
Always not quite up with the run rate, Tanner batted on - and on!
George Hays with 30 supported well, but no one else was really able to stay with Tanner long, although Wil Powell ensured the former reached the 9th hundred of his career with a patient and elegant 104 before falling to a simple catch.
Tanner hit 12 fours and 2 maximums in his knock before the tail was exposed, falling well short in the end.
Three wickets apiece for Jody Everett, I. Leyland, and N. Partridge did the damage.
Meanwhile, the club's second string dismissed Totton & Ealing 4ths for just 45 in their game at Testwood school.
A devastating spell of 8-3-9-5 from Jack Cobern and a brace from Dom Sell ensured a quick finish to the game was virtually certain.
And although Totton's B.
Sessions took 2-12, the total was never enough, and the visitors prevailed in just 14 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
The club's 3rd XI posted 146 all out against some rapid and unpredictable bowling from Safvan Sha with 6-20 with Jonny Drayson 45.
The Indians put bat to ball with Sha being the star of the show, unbeaten on 51 as the target was reached. Greg Ehlan 3-18 was pick of the home bowling.
