George Hayes starred with bat and ball in Redlynch’s 12-run win over Parley CC second team as he claimed his maiden half-century and picked up yet another five-wicket haul.
It was the first game of the reverse fixtures in Division 3A, and Parley soon stomped their home authority as they had Redlynch scrambling at 33-4 after winning the toss and bowling first.
Hayes was promoted to number six to try and steady the ship alongside Ian Tanner (46) as they faced some quick bowling.
Tanner fell just short of his half century after recovering the score to 106-5, but the rate was soon amped up after Will Hewlett came in and scored a rapid 45 to change the momentum of the game.
Kev Hopkins finished the innings well with a quick 35* as the Parley bowlers lost their knack in the final overs, with 45 extras aiding Redlynch to 233/7 at the break.
Parley’s opening batters took the game on and achieved a century partnership before Manas Sinha (39) was bowled by Dave Webber.
The hard-hitting Peter Ellis (61) missed a slog and was bowled by Hayes to keep Redlynch in the game at 141-2.
Parley captain Shane Green, batting at three, took control of the innings as Roshan Embalagama blitzed boundaries, but he too fell to Hayes trying to smash another boundary.
Hayes was relentless and picked up three more wickets on his way to 5-50, importantly taking Green (43) who looked like he was going to take his side to victory.
The game went to the final over, with the Parley tailenders requiring 18-runs to win, but Nathan Pollard bowled a tidy over to seal the win.
Unfortunately, it was a 36-run defeat for Redlynch’s second team against Wellow & Plaitford Knights first team.
Redlynch were set 201-runs to win but were bowled out for 164 inside 38 overs.
And Redlynch thirds suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat to Fawley third team away in the New Forest.
