Ellingham’s Hampshire League County Division 1 title hopes lie in ruins after a blistering one-man assault by Richard Taylor, which saw St Cross Symondians III wreck the New Forest club’s 12-match winning sequence.

Taylor smashed five sixes and 18 fours in a devastating innings of 155 which swept St Cross past Ellingham’s 290-6 with seven wickets and ten balls to spare.

With Mark Burrett making 87 and St Cross tossing in their customary 54 extras, Ellingham put a formidable total on the board.

But they were simply blown away by Taylor’s powerful hitting.

The former Andover captain shared free-scoring stands with James Burridge (61) and teenager Felix Organ, who followed up his 3-68 return with an unbeaten 42.

Ellingham’s first defeat in 13 matches has installed Waterlooville as firm favourites for the title.

The Ville rattled up 275-9, with South African Byron Haycock’s 126 his fifth HL century of the summer.

Five other batsman chalked up hundreds, with Island Under-17 all-rounder Harry Collier scoring a remarkable 105 to steer Ryde to an astonishing victory over Portchester.

Chasing Portchester’s 238 (Richard Locke 83), Ryde slumped to 86-7 – but Collier arrived at the crease to crack an 18-boundary 105 and lead his side to a two-wicket victory.

New Zealander Brad Kneebone (111) and Jon Dow (117) hit centuries as Alton III ran up a massive 366-5 at Locks Heath, who collapsed to 71 all out.

Dan Belcher’s 126, which enabled Old Basing to win by 34 runs at Lymington II, has put the pressure firmly on Fareham & Crofton, who are sliding into relegation trouble after a 130-run beating at fellow strugglers Rowledge II, for whom Chris Board made 155.

Mark Padwick scored 93 as Easton & Martyr Worthy secured a vital win over Midhurst, while on-song Purbrook celebrated a fourth straight win, beating Shrewton by four wickets.

Overnight County Division 2 leaders Ropley were bundled off the top when lowly Rowner beat them to put New Milton II in pole spot.

Leaders Longparish won again to stay top of CD3, in which Michelmersh & Timsbury run gun Paul Hurle scored an unbeaten 141 against Whitchurch.