REDLYNCH and Hale suffered further anguish, as they suffered another defeat in County Division Two at home to Portsmouth, as their promotion hopes were dented writes ANDY CHURCH.

With skipper James Taylor sidelined due to injury and possibly out for the rest of the season, the hosts struggled early doors as Portsmouth added 89 for the first wicket.

George Hayes (1-28) and Andy Soutar (1-28) finally breaking through.

Then a fine spell of bowling from second team skipper, Stan Boardman, having to step up this week, pulled the game back round as he returned 4-23.

Dave Webber (1-31) was the only other wicket taker as the visitors went to tea at 205-8.

In reply, it seemed it was simply not be the hosts day.

Ian Tanner and Webber both went cheaply, before Jack Cobern (23) and an aggressive 72 from Kev Hopkins, including six maximums, swung the game again.

All the time Hopkins remained, there was every chance of a successful chase, but when he was sixth out with still 60 still needed, it looked a tall order.

Hayes (9 not out) and Jack Subocinski (6) did their best in an exciting tenth wicket stand but with 24 still needed from two overs, the latter was run out attempting one quick run too many.

So further woes for the Woodfalls outfit and with the holiday season kicking in, plus injury concerns, it will be a worrying run in to the campaign.

The seconds fared no better at neighbours Hyde, posting a lowly 138-8 with Phil Crisp (38) and Tom Emm (32) digging in doggedly against a tight attack.

In reply, an unbeaten 63 from Pain and 36 from Hayward proved decisive as Hyde got home with five wickets in hand and overs to spare.

Nathan Pollards 4-19, being the only notable success for the visitors.

And in a weekend of mass unavailability in all four teams, many players found themselves having to play up.

Sadly, this meant that for the first time this season, the newly formed fourths had to concede it's fixture as most were required for the thirds where OT's and Romsey were the visitors as Ben Lindsay (70) and Colin Eveleigh (36) were the mainstays in a total of 174 all out.

Stuart Wood (48) and Harry Ball (50 not out) did the damage as the home attack could not dislodge them as they romped home in just 24 overs with five wickets in hand.