REDLYNCH and Hale returned to winning ways as they beat visiting Ferndown in a one wicket thriller at Woodfalls Cross, writes JAMES TAYLOR.

When the away skipper called right it was no surprise James Taylor’s men were asked to field first on the hottest day of the year to date.

It looked like it would be a long afternoon in the field for Redlynch and Hale as after 14 overs Ferndown had raced away and were 99-1 with Eric Lange (49) doing most the damage

After drinks the fortunes changed as quick wickets left the away side reeling at 114-6 with wickets shared among Ben Brown (2-38) Kev Hopkins (1-49) Andy Soutar (2-32) George Hayes (1-36) a 67 from James Raftery brought the away side close to 200, but when Taylor (1-17) had him pinned in front and Nathan Pollard (2-10) bowling tight lines as well as a run out by Hopkins the innings closed in the 42nd Over for 196

Redlynch knew what they had to do and Ian Tanner and Jack Vincent took to the task.

A highlight was Vincent’s mesmerising drive over the covers. Both were batting nicely but in the 11th over disaster struck as Vincent (15) was trapped leg before and two more quick wickets fell as Tanner (14) was caught behind and Pollard bowled without troubling the scorers.

Young Andrew Soutar started about a rebuilding process but had trouble as both Harvey Boardman and Kev Hopkins came and went quickly.

Gwil Powell (24) however had different ideas as between him and Soutar they amassed a phenomenal 62 run partnership at a stage where the game was falling away.

When Powell finally succumbed and was bowled another two wickets fell with both Nick Illman and Ben Brown falling cheaply.

The score stood at 147-8 with just under 10 overs left and 49 runs still required as Taylor came to the crease, the skipper attacked the Ferndown bowling quickly with boundaries being struck all around.

Soutar passed 50 and was happy feeding the strike to his captain as the required runs reduced at an alarming rate.

The Ferndown captain turned to his opening bowlers to try and get a break through but both were surprised when Taylor struck three consecutive fours to bring the game within touching distance, but on the last ball of the over with the scores tied, Soutar was castled for a fine 56.

Taylor then struck a four to win the game and finished on 42 not out.

A great win for the team who host Bramshaw next weekend.

The clubs second string went to Sway and were beaten convincingly by a very strong side.

Andover called off at 10.15pm on the Friday night to leave the third team disappointed and the fourths travelled to Hungerford and were beaten by a strong side as well