SOUTH Wilts suffered an 18-run penalty for a slow over-rate in their ECB Royal London national club championship round one tie at Potterne.

But they later romped to a six-wicket victory with a staggering 17 overs to spare.

South Wilts dismissed Potterne for 187, but the inability to bowl overs quickly enough saw their West of England Premier League hosts get 18 unexpected runs.

Despite their small compact ground, Potterne were never able to get away and once Stephen Booth (2-30) bowled opening pair Joshua De Souza and Tom Cullen (25) they were on the back foot.

Arguably the key point of the innings was the boundary catch by young Alec Lloyd which removed dangerous former Hampshire 2nd XI all-rounder Basil Akram, whose 36 included 26 in boundaries.

Matt Burton claimed Akram’s scalp – and that of Andy Williams (33) – during a spell of 3-48.

Potterne completely lost their way after that, their last six wickets tumbling for 46 runs to 187 all out, Luke Evans and Rob Pittman taking two wickets each.

Ben Draper (46), and Joe Cranch (35) got South Wilts off to a flier before former Scotland U19 cricketer Alex Baum made 34 on debut.

Baum, who also keeps wicket, has moved into the area and has joined South Wilts from the top Scottish club The Grange.

South Wilts, who host Sarisbury Athletic at Bemerton on May 14, were in control when James Hayward arrived at the crease.

His three sixes and four boundaries in an 18-ball 41 not out swept South Wilts to victory.