AMPORT II came out victors in the first derby of the season as they triumphed over a strong Andover III side.

The two Regional Division One North sides went head-to-head on Saturday with both sides eager for victory after both secured opening day wins last weekend.

Winning the toss Andover elected to bat on a pitch that probably looked drier than it was after the rain earlier in the week.

The experienced open pair of Andy’s Sale and McMahon were able to take advantage of some untidy play by Amport and push the score on to 50.

However Andy McMahon (9) struck a fierce drive at Robbie Randall who clung on for the breakthrough off the bowling of Jack Kent.

The game changed with the introduction of the slow left arm bowling of Martyn Startup and the reliable slow right arm bowling of the skipper Darren Goacher.

The pair bowled unchanged for 20 overs, returning combined figures of 20-3-2-58, to regain control and restrict the Andover run rate.

Despite this Andy Sale made a well-crafted 42 before an inexplicable loss of concentration gifted Amport his wicket.

Matt Brown made a typically belligerent 45.

A useful 24 for Matt Goodman towards the end of the innings pushed Andover on to 175-6 at the close, a total much lower than looked on the cards after 10 overs.

The Amport reply got off to a flying start as the reunited partnership of Paul Bruen, returning from a three year injury lay off, and Martyn Startup took 31 runs from the opening three overs.

However Startup(12) was well caught behind by Matt Brown.

After this shaky start the Andover bowling settled down, but with Bruen looking more settled, Amport were able to exploit the defensive fields and keep the runs ticking over.

A typical Nathan Birks knock was surprisingly ended for 42 as he mistimed a shot to backward point.

Martin Randall (12) replaced him and calmed the nerves before departing to another catch behind the stumps.

An Amport wobble was on the cards but Jack Kent(no 34) settled down and was able to accompany Paul Bruen (no 63) to the finishing line with 10 overs remaining.