ERRATIC availability of players once again proved costly as Redlynch & Hale's first and second sides fell to defeat, with the depleted third team having to concede as players moved to plug gaps, writes Andy Church.

At Woodfalls Cross, the visitors, Fair Oak seconds won the toss and batted with the openers posting 76 between them for the first wicket.

Ben Brown was in good touch as he claimed 3-41 and the first three visiting batters.

However, most of the Oak side chipped in with useful scores to post a respectable 233-7 with George Hayes (2-43) also among the wickets.

In reply, Will Hewlett went early, but it was good to see Ian Tanner in fine fettle as he struck 10 fours in a well-crafted 66 before being controversially judged out lbw.

After that, a sad string of home batters went to the middle and trudged dejectedly back with barely any runs between them as the hosts slumped to 96-7.

A bright and breezy Cameo from Nick Illman (22) brought up three figures but Lewis Goodyear (4-27) and Tom Clarke (3-9) had taken toll of the innings which rather surrendered Redlynch to a lowly 121 all out.

It was a similar story at Wellow, where Totton & Eling thirds hosted the club’s seconds.

Despite excellent opening spells by Dom Sell (3-4) and Jack Sobucinski (0-13 including two run outs) reducing Totton to 25-5, a patient and efficient innings of 41 not out by youngster Jake Mills glued the innings together again as the hosts advanced to 141-8.

However, once Sell (20) fell in reply, no one else was able to get going and wickets tumbled.

Martin Strawbridge briefly held up the inevitable with 17, but Terrence Wijesir (5-12) wrapped up the run-chase.