Keeping the village flag flying

Hambledon reached the Hampshire final of the National Village Knockout with a decisive 95-run victory over Paultons today.

The two Southern Premier League sides swapped places in divisions two and three this season - with Hambledon suffering relegation and Paultons gaining promotion.

But Hambledon, sporting six teenagers in their team, regained the bragging rights over their village rivals in emphatic style.

First 18-year-old Jack Lavous (92) enjoyed a 167 run second wicket partnership with 17-year-old Chris Stone (56).

Then 18-year-old James Atkinson smashed three sixes and four fours in a 29-ball 58 as Paultons reeled under the teenage barrage and the Dons reached 273-4 in their 40 overs.

Paultons, trying to recover after dropping eight catches, started well in reply with 31 off the first four overs and looked on course at 80-1 and 141-3 with Magee (73) leading the way.

But spin twins Atkinson (4-30) and 16-year-old Rob Gibson (4-47) saw Paultons collapse to 178 all out.

Hambledon will now host either Burridge or Bramshaw in the Hampshire final of the famous village knockout at Ridge Meadow on Sunday June 20.