Dons turn up heat in promotion race

Rupert Hetherington celebrates a wicket in Hambledon's victory over Calmore. Picture: Malcolm Wells (160813-5705)

Will Bond was delighted with the team display, which kept them in contention for promotion.

‘It is all very tight between the top four,’ said the skipper.

‘We all still have to play each other, so if we can pick up one or two more wins then we will be in with a chance.

‘The next two weeks are big for all the clubs involved.’

Bond opted to bat first and the home side got off to a flier – rattling up 50 runs in the first five overs.

Shane Nkomo (41), Bond (36) and Indy Chakrabarti (42) all made useful contributions before Calmore bowled the hosts out for 202.

‘I always felt it was a good enough score on that wicket,’ said Bond.

‘The difference was the quality of our bowlers.’

Rhidian Chapman (three for 33) and Rupert Hetherington (two for 35) kept Calmore on the back foot before George Harding (three for 44) wrapped up the win.

Waterlooville gave their division three survival hopes a boost with a 91-run win over Basingstoke & North Hants II.

James Scutt (88) led the way in the Ville top order.

He received good support from Jon Hudson (36) and Archie Reynolds (40).

Ville posted 224 for six – a total put beyond the reach of the visitors by the bowling of Matt Cook (five for 19).

Reynolds took three for 28 to cap a good day.

Gosport Borough lost by nine wickets to Hursley Park after they racked up just 142.

Ollie Jones (74) set Havant II (302 for seven) on their way to a 73-run win over Ryde.

Gareth Ransley (56) and Tim Clark (45 not out) backed him up before Max Carter took three for 39.