DESPITE an excellent opening stand of 165 between Andrew O’Kelly and Will Ross, Hartley Wintney II were unable to beat hosts Hursley Park II in Hampshire Cricket League County Division Three North.

O’Kelly hit 90 and Ross 72 to give Hartley an excellent platform, but the pair were dismissed in quick succession and their teammates found it rather more difficult to bat as the visitors were restricted to 215-6 from their 45 overs. They made a decent fist of defending their total, taking eight wickets, but Hursley squeezed home for a two-wicket victory.

Overton II also suffered defeat, going down by 129 runs having made the short journey to Andover II. Dan Johnson took 3-45 as Andover reached 208-5, but Overton were skittled out for just 79.

Bottom-of-the-table Whitchurch were bowled out for 91 by hosts East Woodhay, who went on to win by seven wickets.

Hook and Newnham Basics III’s home game against Redlynch and Hale was rained off, as was the second team’s game against visiting Shrewton in Division One.

Basingstoke and North Hants III enjoyed a 79-run victory over visiting Liphook and Ripsley II in Division Two. Andy Neal hit 80 and Dan McCormack 58 as Basingstoke reached an imposing 276-8, while captain AK Sankaranaryanan took 3-25 as the visitors were bowled out for 197 in reply.

Old Basing also claimed a win at home, beating Cadnam by three wickets in a game reduced to 40 overs. Darren Bell took 4-27 as the visitors were restricted to 127-8, while Greg Donaldson hit an unbeaten 66 to guide Basing home for the loss of seven wickets.

Hobos suffered a 91-run defeat to visiting Liss in Division Four North. Kallum Watta took 5-34 as the visitors were bowled out for 183, but Hobos could only manage 92 in reply.

AWE Tadley’s home game against Sparsholt II fell victim to the weather.