SCOTT Baldwin hit his first century of the season, but it was all in vain as Hartley Wintney lost by four wickets at Paultons in the Southern League Division Two.

Baldwin hit an excellent 111 from 95 balls, which included nine fours and seven sixes, as the visitors posted a score of 243-8 from their 50 overs, having been part into bat.

Hartley recovered well after being 38-3, as Baldwin shared a number of half century stands with Chris Saville (11) and Will Ross (26).

Then added 61 for the seven wicket with James Beckwith who finished unbeaten on 40 from 21 balls which saw him hit a couple of sixes.

Paultons in reply were soon in trouble as they slumped to 30-3, Saville took 3-54.

Scott Hills (46) led a recovery, but further wickets from Louis Lynch (1-24) and Seb Waddington (2-41) left the home side with plenty to do at 104-6.

However, a match winning unbeaten 140 seventh wicket partnership between Antony Richman (89) and Simon Ennew (40) saw Paultons to victory with three overs to spare.

This weekend, Hartley face a basement battle when Bashley II are the visitors to the village.