THE lack of a first XI game on Saturday, together with early-season unavailability down the teams, gave Redlynch & Hale a good opportunity for several out-of-touch players to guest in other club sides.

At Woodfalls Cross, Andy Soutar who has struggled with the bat so far this year, notched himself a fine unbeaten 84 in a third wicket stand of 108 with Ian Stevens (24) for the second XI.

Earlier, Dom Sell (74) and Archie Boardman (68), had laid the foundations in a partnership of 134 for the second wicket as the visitors beat Great Durnford.

With a total of 300 for the loss of just three wickets, it was always going to be an uphill struggle for Great Durnford.

Jack Sobucinski immediately found his touch sending down eight rapid overs and reaping 4-16 for his toil.

Ably supported by Redlynch skipper Jack Cobern (3-10) and a brace for Dom Sell (2-10), it was too much for the visitors, whose only resistance came from a stubborn 23 not out from number 10, Luke Skinner.

The Durnford innings was wrapped up for just 88 in the 23rd over, securing a welcome win after the defeat last time out at Wellow.

Meanwhile, Redlynch’s third XI had the long drive to Hungerford for their opening Regional Division Six match.

Ed James (23) and Richard Brooks (20) got the hosts off and running, and a useful 37 from Al Masbero kept things moving.

Richard Barlow bagged a brace as wickets fell steadily. Spinners Emily Otton (3-34) and Ian Dixon (2-26) were chipping away the wickets.

Guest leggie George Hayes was third change and returned 3-21 as Hungerford faltered to 149-9, narrowly missing a further batting point.

There were early scares for the visitors as they found themselves at 4-2 early doors. But Dixon batted patiently for 27 from 96 balls and although the score crept along, it took the arrival of guest James Taylor to accelerate the run chase.

The latter reached a match winning 51 not out, well supported by Paul Smith (14no) as Redlynch & Hale ran out victors by five wickets.