Close but no cigar for third string

Hambledon's third team suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Portsmouth Community.

Skipper Martyn Shinn lost the toss and was asked to bat on a beautiful sunny day.

A solid performance followed by the openers - with Jon Bidgman (37) and Martyn Shinn (20) laying a foundation which was superbly built on by Phil Silvester (65), who notched his second half century in as many weeks.

Sam Jackson (26) and Lewis Le-Clercq (18) helped push the Dons total up to 200 off their 42 overs.

Portsmouth Community were quickly 10 for three in reply - thanks to some great opening bowling by Finlay Rockett and Steve Ripiner.

Unfortunately, two half centuries helped Portsmouth Community rebuild and - despite a fine catch by Shinn's midriff - eventually get home with two wickets and 11 balls to spare.