HARTLEY Wintney will be hoping it will be third time lucky on Saturday when they face a visit from Hambledon in the Southern League Division Two.

So far the village side have yet to win at home, while on their travels are unbeaten.

Hartley skipper Danny Plume felt his side should have won the game and said: “We bowled really well to limit them to 194, when it looked like they would get 260 or 270.

“Our overseas player (Henry Collier) got a ball with his name on, otherwise it was a few rash shots and lack of composure that cost use dear. Our middle order batting really has to do better.”

With Chris Saville and Matt Kerr now available for selection, Plume is hoping competition for places will help to make the middle order fire.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game Plume said: “We need to win at home and I hope this starts against Hambledon.”

In Saturday’s loss to Paultons, the visitors looked good at 104-2, before the Hartley bowlers hit back with Ollie Waddington leading the way with 3-37, well supported by Jamie Teale (2-33) and Henry Collier (2-30). The Hartley reply got off to the worst possible as they were soon 18-3.

It was left to Plume (84) and Scott Baldwin (37) to get Hartley back on track, as the pair put on 109 for the fourth wicket. However, at that point the home side became lambs to the slaughter, as Peter Lamb picked up 4-26 as they slumped to 155-8, being eventually all out for 175.