Dons diagnosed with vertigo

Hambledon II moved to top spot in Hampshire League division three south after victory over United Services.

The Dons played their second away game of the season looking to make it five wins from five - and a late change saw Garin Chapman replace Paul Vickers.

It was another bright and sunny day at the former county ground in the shadow of the lipstick and Spinnaker Tower.

The toss took place and only one decision was on each captains mind - bat. Unfortunately, the Dons lost the toss and were told to bowl.

Hambledon took to the pitch facing the prospect of a hard slog in the field but the bowlers had other ideas, with Mark Davison opening from the pavilion end and getting early hints of bounce and swing.

Kyle Shinn opened from the seafront end and bagged an early breakthrough as he sent stumps tumbling with a massive away swinger.

Davison and Shinn continued to do the business, keeping it tight and creating pressure and chances.

ECB restrictions saw Kyle end his spell after causing absolute havoc with seven overs, three wickets for five runs - his best bowling of the year so far.

At the other end, Davison plugged away and kept it tight, finally getting his reward in his last over. His spell 10 overs yielded one for 20 - another fine performance.

Bowling changes saw George Harding and Chapman come into the fray but the latter was a write-off, conceding 26 runs from four overs.

Harding, meanwhile, bowled well until his last over which went for 13 as he conceded 23 from five.

The father and son Le-Clercq duo then came into the mix and it started badly as the chairman was hoiked for six from his first ball. But things were about to change.

After they were poised at 70 for four from 25 overs, Services collapsed to 138 all out with four overs remaining.

Spencer Le-Clercq bowled four overs and took none for 21, Chapman returned for a second spell of three overs for six runs but the damage was done by the chairman, who took six for 30 off 8.4 overs.

Le-Clercq and Jamie Lewis opened the batting knowing lots of time was available to them but the latter departed for just four in the sixth over and Owain Chapman followed quickly for two.

Adrian Magrath then strode out knowing his years of experience would be needed.

A short-lived partnership between him and Le-Clercq followed as a mix-up in the running saw the latter fail to regain his ground as his team-mates noted UHT milk turns quicker.

The Dons were looking in trouble now at 34 for three from 15 overs.

Will Atkinson was given a big batting role, making his way out to the middle next and he delivered in style.

The partnership started to grow as both batsman looked to get themselves in, picking up singles and putting bad balls away for boundaries.

They continued and after 30 overs Hambledon were 92 for three and starting to look heavy favourites again.

But knowing a wicket could change it all, the two men in the middle knuckled down and continued to claw at the total.

Atkinson exploded towards the end of his innings and reached 49, while Magrath moved to 42 with the Dons only needing four to win with 10 overs to go.

Atkinson looked set to win the game and raise his bat for a 50 but the bowler then chucks one down the leg side, past the keeper and over the ropes.

The young batsman claimed a snick but it was a very hopeful call.

Cheering, applause and laughter as the Dons won with six wickets in hand, skipper Chapman lauding classy innings from both Atkinson and Magrath.