IAN Tanner led the way at Woodfalls Cross, as the Redlynch & Hale opener announced his arrival in Hampshire County Division Two 2 with a very fine 102 against fellow promoted side from last season Bransgore, writes ANDY CHURCH.

After Dave Webber (13) fell cheaply, Tanner was soon on his way as he and Glen Willoughby (50) added 103 for the second wicket.

The latter struck eight fours in his 66 ball half century, whilst Tanner accumulated steadily.

After Willougby was bowled by Shaun Rouse, a slight mid-order wobble ensued with both Charlie Everett and Andy Soutar gone for ducks.

Then youngster Harvey Boardman showed great maturity supporting Tanner with 38 priceless runs as the pair added 80 before Tanner was finally castled by George Bratt in the penultimate over.

At the interval, the hosts had advanced to a healthy 244-6.

Bransgore got off to a ponderous start with the economical Ben Brown running through nine overs for just 26 runs as Seb Binfield (35) and Jack Cox (57)had reached a cautious 88 using more than half the overs when George Hayes (1-38) got through.

After that though, there were only cameo performances from the visitors as skipper James Taylor (3-30) plus a brace apiece for Webber and Soutar, saw them fall short of the target by some 56 runs, as the innings was stopped on 188 all out.

Meanwhile, the second string also promoted last season, were finding the going a bit harder in County Four West at Mottisfont.

Despite accumulating 188-6 with fine half centuries from Nathan Pollard (56) and Jack Cobern (72), the total never quite seemed enough.

Despite an early breakthrough by Dom Sell, a stand of 127 proved to be a match winner as the hosts got home with 6 wickets and overs in hand.

At Hatchet Green, the thirds had a poor showing, falling to 91 all out. Mick Wright top scored with 19, but for the visitors, young Serg D'Monte claimed 4-8 in his four over spell.

Although Micheal Brown and Emily Otton accounted for the openers, the visitor's Chris Newlins (31not out) and stumper Grey (21) ensured the points went to Mottisfont.

And there was disappointment for the newly formed fourths, who were raring to go on a beautiful sunny afternoon, only for a call to come through from OT's & Romsey IV, to say the pitch at East Tytherly was unfit due to rain during the week.

Village Knock Out Cup Round 1.

Redlynch and Hale were on the road yet again in the National Village Cup last Sunday, and for the second year running, travelled to Lacock. On an unpredictable, low wicket the visitors were inserted, but Ian Tanner continued his good form with a watchful 59.

Dom Sell (31) chipped in as the innings closed on 200 all out.

In response, Lacock were soon in all sorts of trouble as balls kept low, batters played on and other than Matt Cooper's 18, no one else had much to offer as the hosts slumped to 71 all out with young Jack Sobucinski taking his best return so far with figures of 7-1-18-6.

Their reward for this victory is yet another away trip on May 26 to Goatacre.