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The Second XI were already Champions, and a younger than usual side were up against Herriard, who we had never played before. They won the toss and batted, but were reduced to 91-8 before skipper Adam Burridge (39 not out) helped rescue the innings to finish on 151 all out (Reuben McRobert 5-24). After tea, IBM's batting was also found wanting as the early order were soon back in the hutch, but hopes were raised when Reuben McRobert (who hit his first ball for 6) and Matt Robbins (39 not out) were at the crease.

The Second's remain undefeated after scoring 179-9 (Tony Portelli 47, Mickey Roberts 2-17), and bowling Holybourne out for 80 (P Robinson 22 not out, Prem Kumarasamy 3-21, Matt Robbins 3-31).

The Second's entertained 10-man AWE Tadley, who made 165 all out (Prem Kumarasamy 3-20), with Andy Stead (29), and an astonishing 49 extras just failing to buy a jug! It went to the wire. Again Extras (38) surpassed all, as Krish Kundu (30) top-scored, and Prem Kumarasamy (13 not out) struck the winning four with one wicket, and one over, to spare. 169-9 (Ramesh Patel 3-23).

Eight-man Colden Common were indebted to Robbie Chandler (26 not out) for making this game last as long as it did, as Reuben McRobert (4-9) and Prem Kumarasamy (2-7) reduced them to 47 all out. It took IBM only 8.5 overs to knock off 48-2 (Graeme McRobert 19 not out), and an early return to the Clubhouse!

Seven extra overs-worth of wides and no-balls allowed Ramsdell to post 140 all out (Dave Holbrook 36, Reuben McRobert 5-36) on a pitch they regarded as very poor by giving it ony 2 marks. The pitch didn't seem to trouble Dan Hood (83 not out) much as the Second's recorded another victory. 144-3 (Mark Gibson 2-36), but it's disappointing if the wicket is seen as being below standard.

The last game and results had to go right if automatic promotion was to be achieved. They didn't. IBM made 213 all out (Rob Pfeiffer 64, Rob Schulkins 3-28). Olly Maund (81 not out) and 41 extras meant that it got closer than it should have as C.B.B.E.A. were all out for 208 (Dan Rides 2-31), and the nearest rivals also won.

Fawley chose to bat on a decent Southern Premier League-standard wicket that had been covered overnight to allow a prompt start on a cold, blustery, rain-threatening day. They included five under-15s, who later bowled very well. Dan Rides (3-29) and Fawad Ahmed (3-31) helped to keep the batting under control, until a late onslaught from skipper Elliot Earl (70) took them to 189 all out at tea.

On a wicket that gave a bit of help to the bowlers, Dinton were bowled out with an over to spare for 186 (Lawrence Hannaford 51, Andy O'Neill 44, Fawad Ahmed 6-43). IBM were always behind the clock until Fawad Ahmed (29) joined Mike Pollard (57) and hit a few lusty sixes to bring them back in the game. Needing 11 off the last over, Mike hit the second ball for six, but was stumped next ball. Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, IBM were bowled out off the last ball for 183 (Richard Pearce 3-45), and dropped to fourth in the League.

IBM chose to bat on a nice day at a surprisingly pleasant modern venue. The outfield was huge, and Amesbury used it better. For instance, they scored eight 3's to IBM's 1, and ran many more singles, using the wide-open spaces well. IBM were bowled out for 140 (Sumith Suremdran 4-14) with Rob Pfeiffer and Mike Pollard top-scoring with 23 apiece, with 3 unused overs, and 9 maidens, not helping the cause. Amesbury were 90-6 in the 27th over, before David Bailey (17 not out) and Sumith Suremdran (34 not out), knocked off the runs required. 141-6 (Nick Wood 3-26).

Ben Hatcher (44) was the only one to make double-figures, and he was dropped twice, as Ampfield made hard work of getting to 102 all out ((Nick Wood 3-19, Charlie Griffiths 3-23) with the help of 28 Extras. Hitesh Tailor (37) top-scored as IBM secured another victory. 105-5 (Andy Holding 2-11).