Hat-trick for second string

Hambledon's second string completed a winning hat-trick on Saturday.

Rhidian Chapman's side landed their third consecutive Hampshire League division four south victory when they defeated Gosport II by three wickets at Ridge Meadow.

After losing the toss and being asked to field, the Dons made the best possible start when last week's six-wicket hero Mark Davison took a wicket in the first over.

However, some wayward bowling allowed the visitors to reach 100 for two before young spinner Spencer Le-Clercq (two for 37) pegged them back.

He was backed up by Kyle Shinn (two for 30) and Mark Le-Clercq (three for 29) as Gosport closed on 199 for nine after their 45 overs.

After the break, Hambledon bounced back from the early loss of Dom Humphrey as Mark Le-Clercq (59) and Jamie Lewis (35) pushed the score into three figures.

Both were dismissed in quick succession but JJ Brown (32) and Owain Chapman (24) continued the good work and lift the home side within touching distance of victory.

A middle-order collapse - which saw four wickets tumble - left Hambledon still 20 runs short of their target with five overs remaining.

But an unbroken partnership between Spencer Le-Clercq and Will Atkinson - with some superb running between the wickets - saw the Dons home with eight balls to spare.

Hambledon II are now sixth in the division four south table, with three wins from four matches.