Hampshire opened their season back in Division 1 of the Rileys British Inter County League with an important away victory at West Midlands.

The 36-strong squad of four teams won 21-15 and picked up three bonus points for the victory.

The women’s B side held their opponents to a 3-3 draw with wins from Tara Power, Charlotte Burgess and Pennie Lewis.

Hampshire then grabbed the opening day initiative with an 8-4 success from the men’s B team – newcomer Ben Bran registered the first win and that was followed by victories for Lee Ward, Dennis Murrell, Mark Thorne, Paul Dunn, Dave Bonnett, Justin Bradshaw and Phil Harty.

The overnight 11-7 lead was extended the following day when the women’s B side chalked up a 4-2 win – Wendy Reinstadtler, Maxine Cadwallader, Gemma Hayter and Jane Monaghan recording victories.

West Midlands were six games adrift when the men’s A sides toed the oche but the home side claimed the first three games before Mike Gillet stopped the rot. Wins then followed from Dean Jones, Dennis Murrell, Sam Rooney, Steve Musson and Gary Stafford who recorded Hampshire’s highest average with a 28.29.

Hampshire’s first home game of the season is on October 6/7 against Derbyshire at Hill Park Memorial WMC, Fareham .

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