Dons off to a winning start

Hambledon launched the new season in style with a 54-run triumph over Bedhampton at a chilly but sunny Ridge Meadow.

Batting first the Dons amassed 156 for seven in their 40 overs thanks to a fine half century from Toby de Mellow.

The left-hander was ably supported by good contributions from Spencer Le-Clercq, Will Mann and debut-making Joe Collings-Wells.

In reply, the Mariners slipped from a promising 80 for three to 102 all out.

Youngster Rory Prentice was the hero, with his stunning figures of six for 12 sealing a fantastic start to the season for skipper Dan Hewitt.

Chairman Mark Le-Clercq was delighted with the opening fixture of the campaign.

He added: 'A big thank you to tea lady Rhidian (Chapman), bar lady Dee (Hewitt), scorer Jane (Shinn) and a special thank you to Bob Scutt, pictured, who umpired the whole match in the arctic conditions. Up the Dons!'