HAMPSHIRE overcame Somerset 37-29 at Sherborne, Dorset, to earn a date with Devon in the next round of the Walker Cup (double rink championship).

Trailing 8-7 at five ends Hampshire led 22-14 by the tenth and always held the whip hand after that.

Julie Saunders (Richmond Park), Elizabeth Messer (Southbourne) and Atherley duo Jenny McAusland and Wendy Line had a great scrap with Edna Bessell. Both skips are England legends but Line came out on top 20-13 after going 11-5 up on the tenth.

Alongside, Pam Lambshead (Cowplain), Milford newcomer Sheila Hall and Cove twosome Sue Sharpe and Allyson Flint slipped 14-12 behind on the 16th but recovered to pip Mo Monkton 17-16.

Isle of Wight, who shocked Hampshire last year, were sent spinning out by Dorset 41-38 at Atherley.