SOUTH Wilts don’t need any reminding of the tough test they face against Lymington in the ECB Southern Premier League at the town’s Sports Ground on Saturday (1pm).

Lymington are a club South Wilts – despite their Premier League domination in recent seasons – have experienced beating on a few occasions.

In 2013, Whiteparish-based Matt Metcalfe took 5-53 against James Hayward’s side, who did bounce back to win by 37 runs.

But in 2014 and again last season, Lymington have beaten South Wilts.

They won by six wickets at Bemerton two summers ago and last year rolled South Wilts out for 101 at the Sports Ground, where Metcalfe ruled again, taking 5-27.

“Lymington are a decent side,” warns Hayward. “They look a good outside bet and will raise their game against us, for sure.”

Neither South Wilts nor Lymington bowled a ball in anger last weekend, the champions having their scheduled home match with St Cross Symondians washed out, and Lymington travelling to the Isle of Wight, only to watch the rain come down.

South Wilts II, who entertain Calmore Sports at Bemerton on Saturday, had their match at Tichborne Park rained off.

Ironically, South Wilts also play Lymington in the ECB Royal London national club championship third round on Sunday (1pm) – this time at Bemerton.

“It’s round three and we’ve yet to play a game in the competition, Fawley having conceded last time out,” Hayward said.

South Wilts will probably blood several of their promising youngsters in the Lymington fixture.

THEY may have had no cricket to watch because of the wet weather, but even the elements couldn’t stop South Wilts’ cricket vice-presidents and sponsors tucking into their first lunch of the season.

Twenty-five of them or more braved the rain to enjoy a superb cold roast meat and salmon lunch laid on by the catering staff of the New Inn in Salisbury.

Club captain James Hayward briefed the diners about the club’s stop-go start to the season and the latest initiatives which have led to new sightscreens being provided on the main square and brand new practice, which were opened on Tuesday by England women cricketer Lydia Greenway.