HAMPSHIRE tasted success on the oche just when they needed it at Warwickshire.

The battle to stay in the Inter County Premier League is tight and Hampshire's success in the Midlands could not have been timed better.

Their 21-15 win netted them maximum bonus points with the men's A side and women's B team both winning and draws coming from the other two squads.

Of the Ladies' A, Jill Field (Trophyman Player of the Match), Zo Wood and Jane Monaghan were the Hampshire winners in a 3-3 draw.

Sarah Morgan, Wendy Reinstadtler (Trophyman Player of the Match), Mandy Keith and Amanda Humphreys started the weekend off with a tremendous 4-2 win.

Hampshire fell behind 3-0 in the men's B match, but wins from Andy Elvin, Alan Yates, Neil Neat, Darren Hogg (Trophyman Player of the Match), Steve Phillips and Greg Cheesebrough secured an overall draw for Hampshire.

Hampshire led 10-8 when the county's A sides toed the oche the following day.

And they won 8-4 thanks to triumphs from Kevin Ede, Andy Mitchell, Doogie Ralph, Darren Hogg, Paul Hogan, Danny Ballard, skipper Rick Lowther and Roy Brown (Trophyman Player of the Match).

Skill League

Hedge End have gone top after beating Woolston.

Margaret Barfoot, Sue Church, Julie Parker and Nancy Butt saw Hedge End win.

Jan Calloway, Jan Painter and Pat Jackson replied.

It knocked Woolston down to third after Dockers won 6-1.

Jenny Bailey was the highest scorer with 121 for Manor.

Itchen & District Men

M Cull (Pear Tree A) recorded the week's only maximum and R Lacey (Gardeners) hit the best finish of 138.

Meon Valley

John Barrett (Bold Forester) hit his first 180 of the season - the only one recorded in the league this week.

Eastleigh Town & Guests

Bitterne Park trio Paul Dunn, Dave Keith and Chris Witts, Obelisk pair Danny Ballard and Doogie Ralph with Paul Eyre (Loco A), Ian Cox (Arrow) and Steve Perren (Sam's) all scored 180s.

Lyndhurst WMC

Jason Budd (Paultons) and H Cooper (Gamekeeper) landed a 120 finish while Lee Ward (Paultons) hit 113, M Golding (Lyndhurst B) 111 and M Philpott (New Inn) 105.

Romsey & District Ladies

T Turner (Braishfield B) hit the top Premier Division finish of 66.

S Kiddy (Comrades A) topped that with 69 in Division One and also registered the highest score of 124.

Highest Premier score of 136 was by C Wilson (Star).

CS Fareham Men

Hill Park and Gordon Arms are neck-and-neck at the top of Division One after they drew with each other. N Bailey (Red Lion), K Toomey (Cob & Pen A) and N Tubb (Cob & Pen B) all hit maximums.

Bitterne Park Hotel Invitation

South Western Arms will take on Swan in the final of the ladies' section team knock-out.

South Western beat Bittern 4-3 and Swan overcame Ice House 4-2 in the semis.

Shane Clift (Woolston T&L) and Debbie Dugdale (Anchor & Hope) both hit maximums.

Mick Noyce (Ice House A) hit a 102 finish and Gary Barker (Fords B) 114.