SOUTH Wilts II suffered a 21-run rain-cut defeat by Tichborne Park, who have moved alongside Basingstoke & North Hants at the top of Southern Electric Premier League Division 3 table.

They posted 198 before successfully defending a reduced target score of 171 in 43 overs.

Tichborne began strongly through Henry Don (40) and Martin Cheyney (38), but lost both openers in quick succession.

Jake Roach (35) held things together finding Will Allam (32), his only reliable partner as Tichborne suffered double dismissals at 154 and again at 164 before a handy knock from Ed Berry (20) late on raised the total to 198.

South Wilts were never really in the hunt and, despite former St Cross Symondians batsman Charlie Esson making 39, half the side was back in the pavilion for 87.

Teenager Harry Hawkins (38) and Owain Phillips (21) rekindled South Wilts’ hopes at 134-5, but the last four wickets fell for nine runs and the Bemerton seconds were all out for 150.

Tom Allam (4-20) and Roach (3- 30) took the bowling credits.

After seven games, South Wilts find themselves in sixth spot.