Hambledon were able to focus on plenty of positives despite a 38-run loss to Rowner II at a sweltering Broadhalfpenny Down.
Fielding first, the Dons third string were put to the sword as the visitors reached 190 for three after 38 overs.
However, they hit back brilliantly to restrict their rivals to 208 for nine at the close - with Wayne Norman and Matt Williams both grabbing three wickets and Steve Ripiner conceding just 21 runs in his 10 overs.
The Hambledon openers got off to a solid start, too, before the first wicket fell at 42 in the 14th over.
From then on wickets fell regularly with Matt Radford top scoring on 38.
And the Dons eventually reached 174 all out thanks to some late order hitting by Wayne Norman (28).