REDLYNCH and Hale first team team's finished its inaugural season in Hampshire County Division Two with a 36 run defeat at the hands of Rowledge, writes ANDY CHURCH.

Winning the toss and batting Rowledge made hay with Jake Wish smashing 150 before being taken by a return catch to Andy Soutar (3-27) Ian Metcalfe (42) added useful runs but wish was the star as his side racked up 275-6 at the interval.

However, with rain during the interval a revised target of 256 was set from 39 overs.

Dave Webber (42) and Glen Willoughby (20) added 54 for the second wicket after Ian Tanner fell cheaply, but young Harvey Boardman (62 not out) took his opportunity and kept his side in with a shout.

However, that man Wish (3-47) came on to stifle any hope of a successful chase as the Wiltshire based side battled gamely. The lower order tried to keep up with Boardman, but finally finished just 19 runs short.

Reflecting on a first season at this level, skipper James Taylor said: "I'm very proud of this bunch of players. We've had injury problems throughout the season, but players have come in, stepped up to the plate and but for a few unlucky turns, we could have finished even higher. I'm really looking forward to next season after this!"

Meanwhile the seconds also finished with a defeat as they hosted Southampton Travellers who made 225. Jack Sobucinski (3-53), Nathan Pollard (3-3) and Harry Cobern (2-25) the main wicket takers.

In reply, Pollard (65) was the mainstay and although skipper Stan Boardman (31) tried to repair the damage, the Travellers got home largely thanks to Salasear (4-30) as the hosts were stopped on 179.

The fourths fielded a full side to try to compete with title chasing big wigs Wilton.

In a tiny moral victory, Wilton failed to bowled the fourths out as they posted 109-9 with Mick Wright 36 not out.

Wilton's big guns soon put paid to the meagre target, blasting the runs in 16 overs with Sanercen 56 not out.

However poor Tom Allam from R&H suffered a dislocated shoulder in the first over and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.

In a season where many clubs are folding or conceding games, the Woodfalls Cross outfit can hold it's head high at getting so many players out on a Saturday and in particular, giving young players the chance to play cricket.