RICHARD Philpott claimed five wickets as Ringwood (Mark Brockway, 51, and Craig Seymour, 31) kept their promotion hopes alive with a convincing eight wicket win over Southampton Travellers II, 105 (Philpott, 5-31), in the Hampshire League Regional Division Two South West.

An opening stand of 147 between Phil Crisp, 77, and Ian Tanner, 57, was followed by 70 from John Beckett as Redlynch & Hale II reached a massive 318-4. OTs and Romsey II were content to play out the overs at 119-7 with Ian Stevens, 3-17, the pick of the bowlers.

Bransgore were dismissed for 92 (Richard Farrow, 34, Paul Waugh, 5-20, and John Page, 3-10) and then Dave Rodbourne, 50 not out, and Chris Powell, 33 not out, set up Wellow & Plaitford's nine wicket win in just 20.5 overs which virtually secures them the title.

Ampfield amassed 232-6 (Stuart Taylor, 70, Wasim, 57, and Paul Barnes, 36 not out) and Ellingham II's reply was led by Trapp, 84 not out. Despite good knocks from Neil Turner, 34, and Jason Thake, 30, the visitors finished just short on 222-7. David Singleton hit 43 in West Moor II's 178-7 and BAE Christchurch won by three wickets, Hayward making 38 not out.

In Division Four New Forest, Alderholt II hit 186-7 (Mike Race, 83, Frank Guy, 32, and Hillier, 3-31), while Sway were restricted to 174-6 (Hall, 31, Hurrell, 30, and Steadman, 28) because Brad Greatorex took 3-48. Hythe & Dibden II held onto their slender lead when Richard Froggatt, 56, steered them to 189 and he then took 5-19 as Verwood folded for 89 with only number ten Thompson, 22 not out, showing any resistance.

Burley II reached 225-7 (Terry Pateman, 41, Will Brooks, 38, Brian Price, 30, and Mike Mortimer, 25) but Ringwood II stopped them from claiming bonus points in their bid for the title by playing out the overs for 180-7 (Paul Bailey, 62 not out, and Jonathan Percy, 54).

Mudeford III advanced to 286-4 (Carter, 100, Gardner, 50, and Micklewright, 63 not out) and Ellingham III were removed for 135 (Richard Hough, 38). New Milton III notched up 235-4 (Steve Vibert, 109 not out, and Jamie Snellgove, 54) and Bransgore II were rolled over for 92.

Centurions got to 158-7 in the West Central Division (Kevin Harvey, 47, Rob Holbrook, 43, and, Kevin Gulliver, 4-23). Despite wickets falling to Holbrook, 4-35, Phil Waters, 61, and Neil Loader, 23, saw Cranborne II home by two wickets. New Milton IV batted 171-7 (Peter Wakeford, 46, Tim Emmerton, 36, and Richard Colbourne, 3-25) but Damerham won by six wickets thanks to Mike Harvey, 55, Rob Witt, 25 not out, and Colbourne, 23.