A FORLORN Redlynch and Hale returned to Headquarters after a disappointing 91-run away defeat at the hands of Odiham and Greywell.

Despite Ben Brown striking with the second ball of the match, Adam Scher (108) and Zac Le Roux (129) helped the the home side piled on the runs on a warm, muggy afternoon.

The visitors attack had scant reward for its labour with only Brown (2-38) and George Hayes (3-56) claiming wickets.

It was going to be a tough run chase with a total of 326-6 showing on the board.

In reply, things started well, with Ian Tanner and Dave Webber (29) making yet another 50 plus opening partnership. Charlie Everett (20) was looking settled before being castled by Archie Mogg (5-46), who then tore the heart out of the Redlynch innings, sending back Andy Soutar, Kev Hopkins, Jack Cobern and Archie Boardman for just a handful of runs.

Tanner battled bravely to reach his half century (59) before Stan Boardman (36 not out), Brown (20) and Hayes (12 not out) pushed the total past maximum batting points at least.

The innings finished on 235-9, but skipper James Taylor will want to quickly bounce back from consecutive losses when he welcomes Winton to Woodfalls Cross on Saturday.

The seconds were also in trouble as Ellingham posted a challenging 260- 6, with Childs falling to Jack Sobucinski, just two runs short of a ton.

In reply, after early wickets, Ian Stevens (60) and Jack Vincent (52) did well in the middle but were unable to accelerate as Edwards (4-20) put the brakes on to halt the chase at 203-7.

The thirds team too, suffered at the hands of current Regional Two North West league leaders Collingbourne, who amassed 303-5.

In reply Phil Crisp (43 not out) stayed around, but the third string were no match for the leagues newcomers who are clearly punching below their weight, dismissing the visitors for 111 as Phillips claimed a five-fer.

And it proved to be four out of four defeats as Hyde II plundered an inexperienced attack to reach 237-7 with Turner 78 leading the way.

Harry Cobern and Mick Wright claiming a brace apiece. Ian Dixon was a model of patience as he batted through for 65 not out, but the side could not accelerate and the overs ran out at 152-7

Nevertheless, it is credit to the club to be able to field 44 players in these times of clubs conceding games or even folding.

Hopefully, the World Cup winning performance will inspire people to want to take up the national summer sport.