SOUTH Wilts continue to sweep all before them in the ECB Southern Electric Premier Division – Bashley (Rydal) being the latest side to be brushed aside.

But the New Forest club, who were eventually beaten by 40 runs, didn’t go down without a fight, despite twice being in the Bemerton mire, writes Mike Vimpany.

Cashing a seventh successive win, South Wilts were in the ascendency from the off, with Eddie Abel (52) and Tom Morton (59) putting on an aggressive 115 for the first wicket.

But after Jake Lilley and Kevin Nash had been blasted out of the attack in just seven overs, spinners Sam Thomson and South Australia prospect Tom Andrews turned the tide – bowling with great control they restricted South Wilts to a further 63 off the next 35 overs.

A brief period of momentum from Ryan Duffield (33) and young William Wade (17) was interrupted by the lunch interval, but after Joe Cranch (25) had added some vital runs, the champions were bowled out for an under par 211.

Dorset’s Thomson (6-81) and Andrews (4-72) went on to bowl all but seven of the 62.1 overs faced by South Wilts whose last six wickets fell for addition of just 38 runs.

“It was the third week on the trot we’ve not posted 220, so I’m looking for a few big innings from some of our lads in the coming games,” a grumpy Morton said.

Defending a modest total, South Wilts needed the ‘big wickets’ of Michael Porter (31) and Richard Morris (19) if they were to succeed – and Steve Warner (2-32) obliged.

The Bashley reply faltered at 65-5 but Tom Jacques (58) and Josh Digby (34) put on 83 for the sixth wicket to take them to a threatening 148-6 with plenty of time to spare.

But after off-spinner Rob Franklin (4-43) had removed newly wed Digby – Jake Foley taking a fine catch to break the partnership - and Jacques had been seen off by James Hibberd, Bashley came up short at 171.

South Wilts, 16 points clear of second placed Havant in their quest for a unique fourth straight title, chase an eighth successive win at Burridge on Saturday, 11.30.

“Overall it was very pleasing to beat the third placed side.

“I think Bashley will have a successful Time pennant campaign with the spinners they possess, so I’m expecting to look back on this win with great relief,” Morton added.

“However, there were certain areas of the game which I was dissatisfied with, particularly in the run scoring department.”