VERWOOD 2nds rounded off their season in Regional Division 3 South West with a tied match with Paultons 3rds at Minstead – the points gained have pulled them clear of the relegation zone and into safety.

Simon Jordan took 3-15 off 10 overs and he received good support from James Mitchell (2-27), Chris Mitchell (2-31) and acting captain Mike Jolliffe (2-15), as Paultons were bowled out for 126.

Verwood looked likely to win comfortably as colt Ryan Webber (41) and Andy Whittingham (19) put on 64 for the third wicket and then Ned Butler made 19 but they lost their way and the last wicket fell at 126 and the game produced the first tied match in the division.

Ellingham 3rds lifted themselves towards the automatic promotion places in Regional Division 4 South West with a six-wicket win over Old Bournemouthians at Picket Post.

Andy Weeks (pictured right with Ash Hough, respectively) made an unbeaten 26 and Hough took 5-22 as OBs were shot out for 51, Ellingham winning in 11 overs. They face third placed Ferndown Wayfarers in their last match and a good win could see Ellingham leapfrog their opponents.

Ringwood 2nds conceded their match to Bransgore 3rds and, having already conceded two matches earlier in the season, they have now been withdrawn from the league and all points won by their opponents will be deleted.

In Regional Division 2 West, Alderholt suffered another crushing defeat when champions Winton 2nds won by ten wickets after destroying Alderholt for 62.