REDLYNCH and Hale first team's perfect start to their Hampshire League County Division Three North, was ended on Saturday as they were beaten by six wickets at Hartley Wintney II.

Having lost the toss, the visitors suffered a early set back when opener Ian Tanner offered a simple return catch to Dan Nightingale for a duck, things didn't look good.

Dave Webber crafted a rearguard action despite losing Andy Soutar and Tom Bayford quite cheaply.

Webber fell for 42 and was quickly followed by Kev Hopkins and Ben Vincent, so with the board showing a meagre 88-6.

Stumper Jack Vincent (30) and James Taylor (16) managed to get to an air of respectability, before the tail were rolled over for a less than impressive 137.

However, it was not to be R&H's day as Home openers, Rajeev Nair (45) and Jonathan Kerr (31) raced away, getting to 84 befor Webber (2-26) had both caught.

The other bowlers were unable to break through further, although will Hewlett (2-41) did peg a couple back.

By this time though, it was a forlorn hope and the hosts were across the line in only 30 overs with six wickets in hand.

A tough lesson bringing his side down to earth and Taylor will be hoping he can field his full strength side on Saturday, when they host Amport at Woodfalls Cross.

Meanwhile the club's second string made it five wins from five as visitors Hungerford II were put to the sword.

The hosts reached 189 all out with Ewan Tanner (51) and Jack Cobern (49) the mainstays.

Jon Hatchett bludgeoned a useful 29, with Rogg Thornton (4-56) the main wicket taker.

In response, Hungerford were no match for the home bowlers as George Hayes (3-9) impressed and there was a brace apiece for Tom Emm, Cobern and Will Powell.

With the visitors dismissed for just 78, and a winning margin of 111 runs, R&H remain hot on the heels of early leaders Shrewton II in Regional Divison One North West.