Malcolm Clarke

Winchester City FC maintained its strong start to the season with a 4-1 home victory over newly promoted local rivals AFC Stoneham. Ollie Balmer scored twice inside the opening 17 minutes, Scott Bungay added a third before half-time, and Brad Waters scored after setting up three earlier goals. Joe Warren's late free-kick gave Stoneham their first goal against Winchester this season, but the hosts secured a comfortable win.

Hartley Wintney defeated Trojans by 155 runs, moving above them in the Southern Premier League table. Hartley Wintney scored 333 for 7, led by contributions from Daniel Nightingale, Ed Philpott, Dan Plume and Ben Williams. Trojans collapsed to 60 for 6 before 13-year-old Aryan Bhome made 40 and helped them reach 178 for 8 alongside Piero Perera and Rahul Bhome. Trojans earned three batting and three bowling points but remain close to the relegation places, while Hartley Wintney collected 21 points.

Trojans secured their second successive victory, defeating Fareham and Crofton by six wickets with maximum points. Fareham and Crofton were bowled out for 207 after a promising start, while Sid Sriram’s 78 helped Trojans reach the target in fewer than 24 overs. The win lifted Trojans above Sarisbury 2 and out of the bottom two ahead of their next fixture.

Winchester City lost 4–2 to Westbury in their penultimate pre-season friendly after conceding three early goals. Evan Lynch converted a penalty just before half-time, and Archie Whitfield scored after Brad Waters’s effort was parried. Winchester will host Poole Town in their final pre-season match before opening their league campaign at home against Egham Town, while also adding Bournemouth goalkeeper Danny Dixon on loan.