OWEN Alsop shone with bat and ball but was unable to prevent South Wilts from falling to a 35- run defeat by national champions Wimbledon in the ECB Club t20 Cup South finals at Beckenham.

Alsop, below, took 3-31 and later hit an unbeaten half-century for South Wilts, who qualified for the national competition after winning the Southern Electric t20 Cup.

Weakened by injuries, South Wilts made 125-9 in response to Wimbledon’s 160-5, Alsop hitting 50 not out and opener Tom Morton 24.

“It was a tough day really, Wimbledon were a very good side with plenty of experience,” reflected South Wilts skipper James Hayward.

“We took a young side along as we have done throughout the campaign and did compete. There are plenty of positives to take from the day and hopefully it has given the guys a bit of motivation as we continue to develop as a club.”

South Wilts’ next taste of t20 cricket will come on Sunday, August 25, when they host the Wiltshire CB Jack Wilcox Trophy competition at Bemerton.