NORDLOCK-sponsored Andover 2nd XI hosted Easton and Martyr Worth 1st XI on Saturday, looking to secure back-to-back victories to start the season for the first time since 2009.

Skipper James Knight won the toss and did not hesitate in asking Easton to bat first on a damp, grassy surface.

Olly Cox (2-29) produced a superb early spell, removing dangerous all-rounder Jamie Banks for 0 in the third over to give the hosts an early inroad.

Ollie Palmer was brought in to the attack early and his leg spin kept things tight, and he also took two key wickets in the process, to leave Easton at 75-4 at drinks.

Easton clawed their way back into the game thanks to some wayward bowling from the town side and sensible batting from Easton's middle order, despite a miserly spell from Arun Ganesh (1-19).

The visitors managed to get up to 191-9 at tea, not far off a par score.

With a rain delay shortly after the second innings resumed, Andover were left requiring 146 from 38 overs.

Makeshift opener Knight (25) got the town side off to a solid start, putting on 60 for the first wicket with Kelum Watta (58*) before an explosive cameo from Harri Williams of 23 from just 10 balls pushed Andover past the 100 mark.

However, the tide then turned as Easton struck with five wickets in fairly quick succession to leave Andover 135-7.

Amidst the carnage around him Watta remained calm and picked off the winning runs to give the town side a three wicket win.

Elsewhere, Andover 1st XI won by 42 runs at Old Tauntonians & Romsey (211 all out to 169-9).

The seconds and fourths travel to Old Tauntonians & Romsey on Saturday while the firsts host Calmore Sports and the thirds play Paultons III at London Road.