REDLYNCH & Hale’s first XI were prevented from continuing their good start to 2022, when a call from opposition Bishops Waltham announced their pitch was covered in water after a localised downpour on Saturday morning and would be unfit for play.

The club's second string, however, did fulfil its fixture at Woodfalls Cross against Andover thirds.

In a low scoring game, the hosts skipper Jack Cobern put his visitors in.

Tight eight-over spells from Jack Sobucinski (1-28), Dom Sell (0-27), Archie Boardman (2-25) and the captain himself (0-15) restricted Andover to 87-4 with only 10 overs remaining.

However, instead of accelerating, the introduction of Nathan Pollard (3-24) ensured only a modest total was posted, as the innings closed at 134-7.

In response, Pollard was clearly in the zone as he struck 12 fours in an unbeaten knock of 79 to break the back of the target.

Ably supported by Boardman (23) and Ian Stevens (13no), the hosts cruised home by eight wickets in the 29th over.

Sadly, the current unavailability situation, which seems to affecting lots of clubs, left the club's seven remaining third team players frustrated and having to concede their game against Amport.

On Sunday, the club's ladies hardball side had a comfortable win over Ryde, who were bowled out for just 60, largely thanks to 4-12 from Katie Sell.

Rhiannan Webb (22no) batted solidly to give the team a win by six wickets.