HAMMERS boss Phil Simkin extolled the virtues of their youth development system after youngster Josh Reavenall-Nuete had capped an impressive win by grabbing their third goal.

Richard Jackson and Warren Byerley were also on target as the County Ground outfit made light of heavy conditions at Hurn Bridge to pull off a convincing victory.

Steve Legg hit the bar and Carl Mutch - brought down for Hamworthy's penalty - missed a sitter from 10 yards as Christchurch paid dearly for resting players.

Simkin said: "Josh is the latest player to come off our youth development production line.

"He is 18 and impressed when he came on with 25 minutes to go.

"Micky Hubbard played the ball in from the right and Josh produced a clinical finish after getting onto the end of it.

"It was his first Wessex League goal.

"Our South West Counties under-18 team confirmed promotion on Saturday morning when they beat Stroud 3-0 so it is a good season for us.

"We've got 61 points in the Wessex now, and I'm absolutely delighted.

"It has turned out to be an excellent season for the club all the way round.

"The youth development section has really taken off. It is the best thing we have done."

Christchurch boss Graham Kemp, handicapped by the late loss through illness of Paul Rideout and James Burden, said: "I think 3-0 flattered Hamworthy a bit but they were too good for us on the day.

"In the second half we played a lot better but they defended well and we only really got in a couple of shots.

"I'm not making excuses, but I had five players out who would have definitely started and it made us weak in depth.

"It backfired big time after I rested three players - Adam Costello, Russell Cook and Chris Dillon - for the Hampshire Under-18 Cup final on Sunday only for it to be called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

"I'll have to rest them another day now."

  • Wimborne's scheduled Premier trip to Fareham on Saturday was also postponed because of a wet pitch.

Christchurch: Collins, Dand, Taylor, Linpow, Crutchley, Jenvey, Lawrence, Borthwick, Walliss (Manning ht), Burrows, Glasspool. Unused subs: Cook, Costello, Dillon.

Hamworthy United: Peters, Gilbert, Grimason, Horlock, Walker, Dovell, Legg, Hubbard (Glavin 80), Mutch (Reavenall-Nuete 65), Byerley, Jackson. Unused subs: Byrne, Crossin.